The Telegraph Women's Sport podcast

In this episode of the Telegraph Women’s Sport Podcast, we’re tackling a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of sports: the impact of kit on female athletes. Hosted by Dame Laura Kenny, we’re joined by a line-up of guests who know the challenges all too well.

Tess Howard, a pioneering England and GB hockey player, shares her journey advocating for rule changes that allow women to wear shorts instead of skorts, explaining the practical and symbolic significance of this change for female athletes.

Olympic gold medallist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill takes us back to her early career, outlining the discomfort she faced with ill-fitting sportswear, and discusses the positive changes brought about through athlete feedback and collaboration with kit brands.

We also hear from Laura Youngson, co-founder of IDA Sports, and netball star Britney Clarke, who shares her personal struggles with kit sizes.

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In this episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport podcast, we’re diving into the topic of inspiration. Host Dame Laura Kenny is joined by three trailblazers known for pushing boundaries.

Carla Ward, a football player turned manager, discusses how the mentorship of Emma Hayes guided her through the pressures of the Women’s Super League. Highlighting the importance of visibility, Carla shares her vision for empowering young girls in sports.

Zara Lachlan, a 21-year-old preparing for an extraordinary solo rowing journey from Europe to South America. Transitioning from BMX racing to ocean rowing, Zara recounts her intense preparation and the inspiration she draws from female role models.

Sue Dorrington delves into her pioneering journey in women’s rugby, from discovering the sport at 23 to helping to organise the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991. Sue touches on the growth of women’s rugby and the significance of representation in retaining young girls in sports.

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In this episode of the Telegraph Women’s Sport Podcast, we delve into the pervasive issue of sexism in sports. Join host Dame Laura Kenny as she opens up a crucial conversation with sport leaders and advocates who are championing gender equality.

Our guests include Yvonne Harrison, Women In Football chief executive, and Dr Stacey Pope, a professor renowned for her work on gender and inequality in sports.

Yvonne shares insightful perspectives on systemic sexism and the subtle language differences that perpetuate gender biases in sporting events. Stacey unveils her compelling research findings on entrenched misogyny among male football fans, emphasising the urgent need for cultural and institutional change.

We also hear from England cricketer Tammy Beaumont, who recounts her personal encounters with subtle and overt sexism, from ill-fitting men’s gear to harsh social media scrutiny driven by online betting culture.

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In this episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast, we're diving into the menopause and its impact on women's health and athletic performance. Join host Dame Laura Kenny as she welcomes a panel of experts and advocates dedicated to empowering women through this transformative life stage.

Janet Birkmyre, a celebrated British cyclist with numerous titles, recounts her midlife journey into cycling and her experience with the menopause, both on and off the track.

Dr Bella Smith, an NHS doctor who is also co-founder of The Well HQ and co-author of The Female Body Bible, explains what the menopause is and what women should expect. She sheds light on the issue of bone density loss during menopause too.

Danni Tabor, a wellbeing coach and co-owner of Lift Studio London, shares her insights on the benefits of weight training, highlighting how it enhances sleep, mood and overall well-being.

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In this episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast, we're delving into the topic of body image. Hosted by Dame Laura Kenny, we bring together three women to share their stories and insights.

Ellie Boatman, a Great Britain rugby sevens player, opens up about her journey through body image struggles and overcoming an eating disorder to develop a healthier relationship with her body and food. She emphasises the influence of social media on body perceptions and the importance of education around its dangers.

Amy Truesdale, an Paralympic taekwondo champion, speaks about her confidence in competing in a male-dominated sport despite her disability. She highlights the necessity of focusing on performance over aesthetics, celebrating individual differences, and rejecting societal pressures.

Kate Dale, campaign director of "This Girl Can" at Sport England, brings her expertise in promoting women's participation in sports, discussing the need for positive reinforcement and conscious behaviour around diet culture and appearance. She champions the importance of understanding female physiology in training to shift focus from appearance to performance.

If you have been affected by an eating disorder, contact the NHS or Beat for help.

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