"Women’s sport has come so far, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of investment and opportunity."
In this fascinating episode of The Game Changers, host Sue Anstiss sits down with Dame Tracey Crouch, an influential figure in both sports and politics.
Tracey shares her personal journey from growing up as a passionate sports enthusiast to serving as the UK's Minister for Sport. Her political career was defined by her commitment to grassroots sport, governance reform and championing women’s participation in sport.
Tracey also opens up about her decision to step away from politics, her ongoing work in the private sector, and how her personal battle with breast cancer re-shaped her outlook on life and leadership.
Throughout the conversation, Tracey provides unique insights into the intersection of sports and policy, the challenges facing women’s sport and the steps needed to create systemic change in the industry.
Links & Resources:
- Follow Dame Tracey Crouch on Twitter/X and LinkedIn
- Learn more about Hanover Communications
- Follow The Game Changers Podcast
Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Game Changers for more inspiring conversations with women breaking barriers in sport. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
#TheGameChangers #TraceyCrouch #WomenInSport #Football #Leadership #Podcast
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Hello and welcome back to The Game Changers, the podcast where you'll hear from trailblazing women in sport who are challenging the status quo for women and girls everywhere. What can we learn from their stories as we explore equality in sport and beyond.
This is the 19th series of The Game Changers and what an incredible range of guests we have. Talented, inspiring women who are changing the game in sport.
With new episodes launching every Tuesday from March 4, the guests for this series include:
Dame Tracey Crouch – The former sports Minister, who drove huge change in British sport and served as an MP for 14 years before standing down in 2024 and becoming Managing Director of Hanover Sport
Mel Marshall – a former Olympic swimmer turned highly respected coach, best known for coaching Adam Peaty to multiple world records and Olympic golds.
Sarah Massey – Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, who shares her extensive experience in delivering major international sporting events.
Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale – a leader in female sports science and exercise physiology who heads the Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Jess Thirlby - head coach of the England Netball team – Jess is a former international player with extensive experience in the sport, known for her strategic acumen and dedication to the netball community.
Khalida Popal - former captain of the Afghanistan women's national football team and a pioneering activist who has dedicated her life to empowering women through sport, advocating for gender equality, and using football as a tool for social change.
Lucy Wray – the former CEO of Saracens Rugby Club, who is now helping to shape the future of women's sport and is co-owner of London Mavericks Netball Team.
And
Jenny Meadows - a world-class middle-distance runner, World Championship bronze medallist and Olympian, who is now an award-winning coach, recently honoured as the BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year.
The Game Changers is available for free wherever you find your podcasts or you can listen directly from our website at fearlesswomen.co.uk.
Please do start following the podcast now so you don’t miss out on these brilliant new conversations.
We also have a fantastic back catalogue of over free 200 episodes – including interviews with elite athletes, broadcasters, coaches, entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists and CEOs – all women who are changing the game in sport.
The whole of Sue Anstiss’ book ‘Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport’ is also available on the podcast. You’ll find a free audio book in series 13.
As well as listening to The Game Changers on the Fearless Women website, it’s also where you can find out more about the Women's Sport Collective, a free inclusive community for all women working in sport. We now have over 10,000 members across the world, so please do come and join us.
Do come and say hello on social media where you’ll find the host of The Game Changers @sueanstiss
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
“Anyone can get abused. Smart people, really intelligent people, old people, young people, beautiful people, average looking people. It doesn't matter who you are, you're not like exempt because of any characteristics that you have.”
Mhairi Maclennan, Kyniska Advocacy
Today’s episode of The Game Changers podcast could be the most important ever.
Over the past five years it’s been a privilege to share the stories of 150 trailblazers in women’s sport and to explore topics around equality in sport and beyond.
This final episode of series 18 considers a topic that should concern everyone that loves sport – how do we keep it safe for all participants? This episode is a must listen for all parents of children in sport, along everyone working in the sports industry.
My guest is Mhairi Maclennan, the co-founder of Kyniska Advocacy. Mhairi is an elite GB athlete, who, in 2021, made the extraordinarily brave decision to waive her right to anonymity after suffering sexual abuse at the hands of her coach.
Following a hugely impactful campaign that saw her coach’s three-year exclusion from athletics increased to a lifetime ban, Mhairi and fellow athlete Kate Seary founding Kyniska Advocacy, the UK’s only athlete-led and sport-wide safe sport organisation.
I learnt so much in this powerful conversation with Mhairi.
I was shocked to discover that there’s no obligation for sports to report coaches found guilty of sexual abuse to the police or local authorities; no central register exists to track banned coaches in the UK or globally and no independent body exists across sports to deal with the most serious cases.
Mhairi also provides incredibly useful guidance about what we should all be looking out for when it comes to abuse in sport, what the law says and what still needs to change.
In the episode we talk about Kyniska’s excellent Manifesto for the Future of Safe Sport. Here’s a link to the website where you will find it and many other useful resources: https://www.kyniskaadvocacy.com/
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Our guest today is Mel Bound the founder of This Woman Runs (formerly This Mum Runs), the world's largest digital and in-person running community for women.
Mel is driven by her vision to inspire women everywhere to enjoy the life-changing benefits of being active and in this inspiring episode shares her journey from a chronically asthmatic child to a successful entrepreneur.
We explore how what started as a local women's running group in Bristol in 2014 has evolved into a powerful, global movement for over a quarter of a million women.
Mel talks about her experiences of running health clubs in the fitness industry and how she recognised it’s actually a space that fails many women. We discuss Mel’s transition to working sports events at Alan Pascoe’s Fast Track in the 90’s, a place that provided the foundation for many leaders in sport today.
Mel shares the accidental creation of This Mum Runs, the challenges of building a community, and the impact of COVID on its growth.
We discuss the challenges female founders face in securing funding, the innovative strategies TWR has employed to grow the community-focused business, and the importance of creating supportive environments for female entrepreneurs in sport.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Our guest today is Laura Youngson, the co-founder of Ida Sports, the world’s leading female sports footwear brand that recently received $2M in investment funding.
Laura is a huge advocate for gender equality and in 2017, led a group of women to the top of Kilimanjaro to play a record-breaking football match with Equal Playing Field.
The trip highlighted a common problem facing female players all over the world: their boots were made for men, or children, and left their feet in pain long after the final whistle blew.
Laura went on to co-found Ida Sports which launched its first boot for female players in 2020 and since that time the brand’s continued to innovate and drive change in the sector.
This brilliant episode explores Laura’s diverse career path – before founding Ida Sports Laura worked as a senior policy advisor for the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and in event management for major sports events including the London Olympics and the European Games.
Our conversation highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sport and the innovative steps that are being taken to create a more inclusive environment for women and girls.
Laura openly shares the challenges and opportunities in designing sportswear specifically for women, the response from retailers, and the importance of fundraising for growth.
We discuss the wonderful collaboration taking place amongst female entrepreneurs in this space and the impact of motherhood on Laura’s own entrepreneurial journey.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Lucy Horsell is a woman on a mission to empower female athletes at all levels as the co-founder of PeBe Sports Bras, a company that is transforming the sports bra market.
This episode tracks Lucy’s journey from losing her way in formal education at school to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
With a passion for education, science and product, Lucy's journey to merge these worlds into one innovative venture was kickstarted after seeing firsthand the challenges schoolgirls face when it comes to sports kits.
Equipped with a background in product development, Lucy is driven by an ambition to establish the sports bra as a functional and critical piece of kit.
Lucy talks so articulately about the importance of body literacy and self-care, especially in relation to breast health, as we explore the often-overlooked importance of proper sports bras for young women, the impact of breast size on participation in sport, and the need for better representation and understanding of women's needs in sportswear.
With a background in investment banking, Lucy understands the world of funding and growth and she shares the huge challenges still facing women-led businesses.
We also discuss the importance of collaboration amongst women entrepreneurs as they support each other in a competitive landscape.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Our guest today is Danielle Sellwood, a former sportswear designer, trend forecaster and women’s sport publisher who now shares diverse stories of sport and adventure through powerful documentaries made by her company Find It Film.
In 2008 Danielle co-founded Sportsister, a trail-blazing sports website and magazine for women, and from 2012 she directed visual campaigns at Women's Sport Trust (WST) helping create lasting change in the representation of female athletes.
Danielle’s passion for filmmaking was born from frustration over the lack of diverse representation in sports and adventure films, so she picked up a camera and set to work to redress the balance.
Alongside this work today, Danielle is an expert in making content and film accessible via open captions and audio description.
Danielle is also a former GB canoeist who in recent years has turned her hand to triathlon, swimming, cycling and surfing.
Danielle shares background to the inception of Sports Sister with Louise Hudson back in what they thought was to be ‘The Golden Age’ for women’s sport, the evolution of women's sportswear and the ongoing challenges faced in promoting women's sport.
It’s fascinating to hear of Danielle’s journey as a self-taught documentary maker to where she is today, creating powerful documentaries that highlight the underrepresented voices of women, the disabled community and older people.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Our guest today is Yvette Curtis, founder of Wave Wahines, a female surfing club dedicated to empowering women and girls in the sport.
We discuss Yvette's journey from her childhood in Bristol to her current work in North Devon, the importance of fun and non-competitive environments in sports, and the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in surfing.
Yvette shares her experiences of the backlash she faced when addressing issues of representation and the need for diverse voices in sports management. We explore the importance of representation and diversity in surfing and sport, the impact of Yvette’s research on UK surfing and the empowering role of surf therapy for marginalized communities.
Yvette highlights the therapeutic benefits of surfing for mental health, the challenges of finding funding for the grassroots CIC and the growth of female participation in the sport.
Wave Wahines which has supported hundreds of women and girls coming into the sport, along with running surf therapy with women living in refuge, sessions for resettled young female refugees, collaborations with Queer Surf Club, the first Trans and nonbinary youth surf session & hosting the first UK female focused surf contest which is now an annual event.
There’s huge recognition and celebration of Yvette’s powerful work in the areas of inclusion and ocean activism.
Here is Yvette's Surfing & Diversity Report
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Kelly Newton is the founder of NIXI Body - absorbent & discreet underwear for periods and little bladder leaks. Nixi body has a focused mission – to keep women moving through menstruation, motherhood and menopause.
Kelly is doing so much to open up the taboo conversation around female incontinence and is an expert on stress and urge incontinence in women – a topic which is incredibly relevant in sport.
A desire to stay active was the biggest driver for Kelly to design her first pair of leak-proof underwear back in 2019 as she knows the massive impact that exercise can have on mental and physical health.
It’s been a joy to watch the evolution of Kelly’s company with NIXI body products now sold in Boots, Superdrug, Decathlon & Mountain Warehouse, along with being on QVC and at Parkruns.
In this episode Kelly shares her journey in sports, the challenges women face with periods and incontinence and the importance of more open conversations about women's health.
We explore Kelly’s motivation to create leak-proof underwear and the evolution of the business. Kelly also addresses the difficulties female entrepreneurs face in securing funding and highlights the collaborative spirit among women in the product space.
Sue and Kelly also celebrate the newfound confidence that comes with age.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Baz Moffat is having an extraordinary impact in the world of women’s health.
A former GB Rower, Baz co-founded The Well HQ, an organisation that educates and empowers women to understand their bodies and use that knowledge to thrive in sport, health and life.
Baz was in the GB Rowing team from 2005-2008 – medalling at the World Championships in 2007. With degrees in Sports Science and Health Related Behaviour Change, Baz ran personal training and fitness businesses before moving into women’s health and in 2021, co-founding The Well HQ.
Baz is also the co author of ‘The Female Body Bible’.
We explore so much in this fascinating episode from the challenges of competing in sport at the highest level to the systemic changes needed to accommodate female athletes today.
Baz is refreshingly open about the challenge of running a mission-driven business whilst addressing taboos that have existed in society for hundreds of years.
It’s inspiring to hear more about the cultural shift that is finally taking place, as Baz shares her hopes for a more inclusive future in sport and physical activity.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
In this, the 18th series of The Game Changers I’m talking to founders and entrepreneurs. These are the women who have set up organisations that help change the landscape for all women and girls across sport.
There’s so much we can learn from their journeys as they openly share the challenges and joys in establishing new brands, finding investment and building businesses.
With new episodes launching every Tuesday this autumn the guests for this fascinating series include:
Baz Moffat – A former GB rower who co-founded The Well HQ, an organisation that educates and empowers women to understand their bodies and use that knowledge to thrive in sport, health and life.
Kelly Newton – the founder and CEO Nixi Body, which makes absorbent & discreet leak proof underwear, who has a very focused mission – to keep women moving through menstruation, motherhood and menopause.
Danielle Sellwood – A former Sportswear Designer and women’s sports publisher, who now shares diverse stories of sport and adventure through powerful documentaries made by her company Find It Film
Yvette Curtis – The founder of Wave Wahines a surf club enabling women and girls to access surfing at an affordable cost and in a nurturing environment. Striving to increase representation in surfing and its culture.
Lucy Horsell – the founder of PEBE Sports Bras who is driven by a mission to empower female athletes of all levels and establish the sports bra as a functional and critical piece of kit.
Laura Youngson – CEO at Ida Sports – the female sports performance footwear company. Laura’s also a STEM advocate, a TED Speaker and co founder of Equal Playing Field, highlighting the gender inequalities that exist in sport and celebrating women's football.
Mhairi Maclennan – the CEO & Co-Founder of Kyniska Advocacy, Mhairi is a Safe Sport Advocate, a sexual assault survivor and an incredible elite athlete who recently become British Marathon Champion.
Mel Bound – the founder of This Woman Runs (formerly This Mum Runs), the world's largest digital and in person running community for women, with a vision to inspire women everywhere to enjoy the life changing benefits of being active.
The Game Changers is available for free wherever you find your podcasts or you can listen directly from our website at fearlesswomen.co.uk. Please do start following the podcast now so you don’t miss out on these fascinating, inspiring new conversations.
The whole of my book ‘Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport’ is also available on the podcast. You’ll find a free audio book in series 13.
As well as listening to The Game Changers on the Fearless Women website, it’s also where you can find out more about the Women's Sport Collective, a free inclusive community for all women working in sport. We now have over 8,600 members across the world, so please do come and join us.
The Game Changers. Fearless women in sport
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Director of Sport, British Paralympic Association Penny Briscoe,
which was first released on June 27, 2023.
Our guest in this episode has been instrumental in the success of the British Paralympic team, helping them to achieve record-breaking medal hauls at 10 Paralympic Summer and Winter Games.
Penny Briscoe competed for Great Britain in Canoe Slalom before becoming Senior National Coach for the GBR team at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. She has worked in para sport as coach, team manager, performance director and is now Director of Sport at the British Paralympic Association and is also the Chef De Mission for Paralympics GB. In 2017, Penny was awarded an OBE for her services to disability sport.
In this fascinating conversation we explore Penny’s path into para sport and how the role and profile of the British Paralympic Association has changed over 20 years.
Penny shares the enormous impact of London 2012, the challenges that followed in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021, and her ambitions for Paris 2024.
If you’d like to hear from other senior women leading British sport, previous episodes of The Game Changers include interviews with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sally Munday OBE, Dame Liz Nichol, Dame Katherine Grainger, Sue Day MBE, Baroness Sue Campbell and Clare Connor CBE.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Jodie Ounsley, who will be presenting at the games, which was first released on May 30, 2023.
Today’s guest is Jodie Ounsley – a professional rugby player and Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport, who will also be a Gladiator in the new series that returns to the BBC later this year.
Jodie is a powerful role model for women and girls and talks openly about her deafness and how it’s impacted her life on and off the pitch.
She explains how she’s unintentionally been training for Gladiators all her life and how she’s preparing for the public profile that comes with becoming ‘Fury’ in the new series.
Jodie began her sporting career as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion before representing the UK in athletics at the Deaf Olympics. Five times Coal Carrying Champion, she then moved on to rugby where she’s represented England at 7s and now plays for the Exeter Chiefs in the Premier 15s.
Alongside her success in sport, Jodie was awarded the Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year and was also included in the BBC Woman’s Hour Power List 2023 which recognised 30 outstanding women in sport.
Jodie’s videos on TikTok, where she shares her life as a young woman living with hearing loss, have been viewed almost 5 million times.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, which was first released on October 23, 2023.
Our guest in this episode is Ellie Simmonds, one of the world’s most celebrated Paralympians. A five-time Paralympic Champion and 14-time World Champion, Ellie shot to fame when she won her first Paralympic medals aged just 13, at the Beijing Paralympic Games.
After two gold medals there in 2008, Ellie went even better at London 2012. As the poster girl for the home games, she won 4 medals, including two Golds, and broke a further two World records. This success in London helped make Ellie the most recognised Paralympic athlete in Great Britain, if not the world. Rio 2016 saw Ellie once again top of the podium, winning another Gold and setting a new world record in the Individual Medley.
Ellie retired from the pool in 2021 after her fourth Paralympics Games in Tokyo, finishing her career with an incredible 5 Paralympic gold medals, 14 World titles, 10 European titles and countless World records broken along the way.
Ellie continues to work with a variety of charities including the Dwarf Sports Association, WaterAid, the Scouts and I AM WATER.
In recent years it’s been fabulous to see Ellie’s work in the media. Along with making powerful documentaries, Ellie’s been a guest on some of the country’s most popular shows including Celebrity Googlebox, celebrity Masterchef – which she won – and her appearance on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing last year which cemented her status as one of the nation’s most well-loved personalities.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
This episode was previously released on October 29, 2019.
Paratriathlon World Champion and Paralympic Silver medallist, Lauren also enthralled us all as a semi-finalist on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Ever wondered what it really takes to become a world champion? We're sitting down with Lauren Steadman, para-triathlon champ and Olympic silver medalist, to hear her story. From keen young swimmer to unbeatable triathlete, Lauren's journey is pretty incredible.
She'll take us back to where it all started - her first memories of sports, the challenges of growing up with one hand, and how her family backed her all the way. It's not just about being great at sports though - it's about bouncing back when things get tough, learning to be comfortable in your own skin, and working your socks off to be the best you can be.
But there's more to Lauren than just sport. She'll also chat about balancing her studies with training, and how Portsmouth Uni has been really supportive.
And just when you thought you knew her, Lauren surprises everyone by appearing on Strictly Come Dancing! She'll talk about managing her intense sports career alongside learning to dance, and how she's been inspiring people along the way.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Paralympian Sophie Carrigill, which was first released on July 26, 2022.
Sophie Carrigill is a British wheelchair basketball player who represented and co-captained Great Britain at the World and European Championships and at the Paralympic games.
She’s won world and European silver medals and reached the Paralympic semi-finals in a first for Great Britain.
Sophie’s just returned from playing wheelchair basketball professionally in Italy and continues to explore her passions beyond the court as she advocates for disabled women in sport and beyond.
Sophie talks candidly about the accident that caused her disability and the part sport has played in helping her to build her independence and strength. We explore the powerful inspiration of watching parasport at London 2012 and how she’s since had to overcome many setbacks in her sporting journey. She talks about playing professionally on a mixed team in Italy and her hopes for the future including a Paralympic medal at Paris 2024.
We also discuss how using social media has helped her to find her voice and advocate for others, as well as attracting more commercial partnerships and new opportunities.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Paralympian Claire Taggart, which was first released on February 13, 2024.
Discover the intriguing world of Boccia with world champion and Paralympian Claire Taggart on this episode of Game Changers. Claire shares her journey from skepticism to passion for this highly inclusive Paralympic sport, offering insights into its unique rules, classifications, and accessibility features. Whether you’re familiar with similar games like bowls and petanque or completely new to boccia, Claire’s firsthand experience and enthusiasm bring the sport to life, highlighting its potential for anyone to participate, regardless of physical abilities.
Claire also opens up about the challenges of raising awareness for boccia, a sport that often flies under the radar despite its competitive and strategic allure. She talks about her initial reluctance, the encouragement from her coach, and her efforts to boost boccia’s profile through social media. The conversation delves into the emotional journey of competing at an elite level while grappling with the limited recognition and visibility for boccia athletes, stressing the importance of acknowledgment and support within the Paralympic community.
Family support emerges as a critical theme, with Claire reflecting on the sacrifices her parents have made to help her compete globally. She discusses the financial and social care hurdles faced by elite athletes with disabilities, and the recent changes in gender classification within boccia. As Claire contemplates her future, including her post-Paris 2024 plans and aspirations beyond sport, she emphasizes boccia’s transformative impact and encourages more women to get involved. Tune in for an inspiring episode that highlights the power of determination, family support, and the quest for greater visibility in Paralympic sports.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Paralympian Hannah Cockcroft, which was first released on November 1, 2022.
Hannah Cockcroft is one of Britain’s most successful para-athletes who burst onto the world stage in 2010, breaking 9 wheelchair sprinting world records. She went on to win two golds at the London Paralympic games, with three more at the 2016 games in Rio and two in Tokyo 2021.
In the summer of 2022, Hannah won gold in the T33/34 100m at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, setting a new Games record and completing the set – with Gold medals at Every. Major. Athletics. Championships.
It’s no wonder that Hannah was awarded an MBE in 2013 for her services to athletics which was followed by an OBE in last year New Year’s Honours. Hannah talks candidly about the loneliness she experienced as a disabled child with no visible role models and how that's now changing, how it felt to discover wheelchair racing, the challenges of classification in para sport and how it felt be beaten for the first time in 7 years. It's a fascinating conversation with a true trailblazer in women's sport.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
As we look forward to the Paralympics at Paris 2024, we're sharing this previous episode with Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, which was first released on September 15, 2020.
Dame Sarah Storey is the most successful British female Paralympian of all time with 38 World titles, 14 Paralympic Golds and 76 world records.
Sarah was just 14 when she made her Paralympic debut at Barcelona 92, winning five medals including two Golds. She went on to win more medals in the pool at Atlanta, Sydney and Athens before moving to cycling and winning more medals on the track and the road at Beijing, London and Rio. Sarah’s also six times British national track champion.
Sarah, and her husband Barney, now run Storey Racing, and Sarah’s also the Active Travel Commissioner for the Sheffield City Region.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
In this final episode of series 17, Sue Anstiss talks to Stef Reid, a remarkable para-athlete who has spent her life breaking boundaries.
Stef is a track and field Paralympian - a World Champion, four-time Paralympian, triple Paralympic medallist and five-time world record holder.
Having retired from the track in 2022 Stef now works as a keynote speaker, broadcaster and executive coach, also turning her hand to modelling and acting.Steph was the first amputee to walk the London Fashion Week catwalk and starred in the British reality TV show Dancing on Ice in 2022.
This is an extraordinary conversation with a truly inspiring woman.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
When it comes to building culture and leading an organisation there are few individuals doing it better than Tara Dillon, the CEO at CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for Sport and Physical Activity).
Voted as one of the top 5 CEOs in the Times best companies initiative Tara remains passionate about the potential for the sport and physical activity sector to be a vital support arm for the NHS.
Tara has transformed workplaces with her transformative attitude to fostering a collaborative environment and building trust. Hear how Tara’s unique hiring practices, alternative annual leave policy and coaching style of management enable every team member to thrive as a superhero in their role.
At the forefront of CIMSPA’s work since her appointment in 2015, Tara leads initiatives that help professionalise the workforce and enhance the career prospects of those working in sport, leisure and fitness.
Tara began her career in sport and physical activity as a lifeguard in her local leisure centre back in 1987. In 2001 She was appointed Contract Manager at DC Leisure Management, a company specialising in the development and management of leisure facilities on behalf of local authorities.
She went on to be the Executive Director of IQL - the trading arm of the Royal Lifesaving Society and joined CIMSPA as CEO in 2015.
Tara’s sense humour shines through in this fabulous episode. It would be hard not be inspired by her relentless pursuit of excellence.
This podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at the Elevate trade show in London.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Can you be a professional climber and still be scared of heights? How much is success down to problem solving versus physical strength? And what can we do to ensure this fantastic activity is inclusive for all?
These are just some of the questions I put to Molly Thompson-Smith, a shining light in British climbing who was ranked number 1 in the world at just 16.
Molly will be representing Team GB at the Paris Olympics when climbing returns for the second time in 2024.
This fascinating episode also explores Molly’s journey from her early days in Ladbroke Grove to becoming a leading force in the competitive climbing world and six times National Champion – overcoming serious injuries on the way to emerge stronger than ever.
Molly sheds light on the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and increase female participation in climbing, while also addressing the significant issues of diversity and inclusion within the community.
I learnt so much about the sport of climbing in this episode and can’t wait to see Molly in action at the Olympics on August 6, 8 and 10.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix is the diving sensation who won Gold at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships last year and will be one to watch at the Paris Olympics where she’s competing in both the individual and synchronised 10 metre events.
Andrea openly shares her journey in sport and her passion to address stereotypes around aesthetics and body image. We explore the impact of intense training and competition on Andrea’s mental health after Tokyo, how her faith and a change in mindset have had a positive impact on her results. Andrea reflects on the joy she’s now found in the sport and her future ambitions.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
My guest on The Game Changers today is cricketing legend Charlotte Edwards who shares her extraordinary journey from making her England debut at just 16 to becoming one of the sport's most influential figures as a player and coach.
Breaking countless records throughout her 20-year playing career, Charlotte was appointed England Captain in 2006 and led the team to win the Women's Cricket World Cup in 2009 along with three outright Ashes series.
Following her playing career, Charlotte was appointed Director of Women's Cricket at Hampshire in 2018 and has gone on to become a much respected and hugely successful coach for teams in the ECB’s domestic league, The Hundred, WPL in India and WBBL in Australia.
Awarded an MBE in 2009 and a CBE in 2014, in 2022 Charlotte was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. She even has a competition named after her – The Charlotte Edwards Cup.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
What drives one of Britain's top rally drivers to push the limits on and off the track?
In today's episode of The Game Changers we hear from Catie Munnings one of Britain’s most successful racing talents, a rally driver, Red Bull sponsored athlete and TV presenter who now competes in Extreme E - a radical, all electric off-road racing series in the most remote corners of the planet impacted by climate change.
Catie she shares her remarkable journey from sporty teenager to a trailblazing figure in motorsport, along with her unique, motorsport-centric upbringing that set the stage for her rapid ascent in rally racing. From perfecting handbrake turns at just 13 to extraordinary achievements in rally driving and Extreme E racing, Catie’s story is a testament to passion and perseverance.
Catie shares the pivotal role her family has played in her career and the mental toughness required to excel in rally driving's high-stakes environment. We hear about the physical demands rally driving imposes and how motorsport legend Michèle Mouton provided inspired Catie as a young driver.
Catie and I explore the broader landscape for women across motorsport, discussing initiatives that are levelling the playing field, and Catie provides an insider's perspective on E Extreme’s commitment to gender equality, with mixed-gender teams racing in remote, environmentally affected locations.
Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers
Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production
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Tracey Crouch: Breaking Barriers in Sport and Politics
43:26
Series 19 of The Game Changers
5:33
Mhairi Maclennan: Ensuring sport is safe for everyone
1:02:57
Mel Bound: Helping inactive women get moving
1:00:09
Laura Youngson: Pioneering a new era for women's sports kit
42:56
Lucy Horsell: Leading the Way in Women’s Sportswear
54:43
Danielle Sellwood: Producing films that change our world
57:05
Yvette Curtis: Making Waves for Women in Surfing
49:22
Kelly Newton: Designing products to keep women moving
54:47
Baz Moffat: The Women’s Health Pioneer
52:48
Series 18 of The Game Changers
4:59
Penny Briscoe: Leading the transformation of Para Sport
49:06
Jodie Ounsley: The impact of strong, powerful role models
51:21
Ellie Simmonds: Making impact beyond the pool
41:09
Lauren Steadman: How para athletes change society's perceptions
38:28
Sophie Carrigill: Challenging perceptions for all women with disabilities
44:09
Claire Taggart: The impact of Boccia – a totally inclusive sport
47:53
Hannah Cockcroft: Maintaining motivation throughout your sporting career
57:40
Sarah Storey: How to focus on the things you can control
47:36
Stef Reid: Pioneering progress in Parasports and beyond
54:27
Tara Dillon: Leadership lessons from the top
38:26
Molly Thompson-Smith: Fighting for Inclusion in Climbing
47:42
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix: On faith, family and finding joy in diving
47:26
Charlotte Edwards: Breaking boundaries in cricket
41:53
Catie Munnings: Driving change in motorsports
43:57