Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill leads survey of top female sports role models

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 10:03 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill leads survey of top female sports role models
Summary

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill ranks first as Britain's top female role model according to a poll conducted by British Gas. The list includes several prominent sports figures, with Dame Kelly Holmes finishing second, Alex Scott third, and Jill Scott sixth. The research indicates that 97% of adults consider visible female role models important for children, yet 34% report a lack of such representation in public life. To address this, Jill Scott is collaborating with British Gas on a new children's book series titled The Things' Football Adventures. The initiative aims to increase visibility for women in sport, with 92% of respondents suggesting that increased media representation for female athletes could encourage more girls to participate in sports. The debut book, Match Day Mix-Up!, is currently available as a digital download.

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By the Numbers
  • Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill placed first among ten female role models identified in the poll.
  • Jill Scott partnered with British Gas to launch an illustrated children's book series about football.
  • Research found 96% of people support more children's stories featuring girls as athletes.
  • The book Match Day Mix-Up! includes a foreword by Jill Scott.
Latest Updates
  • 10:03 AMYahoo SportsFrom The Princess of Wales to Jill Scott, Britain's top women role models revealed
What they're saying
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The champion, one of the stars of the London 2012 games, beat off tough competition from fellow sports stars Jill Scott, Dame Kelly Holmes and Alex Scott to take first place.

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