As we mark 100 years of women getting the vote, it’s worth reflecting on how far we’ve come; but that doesn’t excuse us from being honest about how far we’ve still got to go.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2018 and as part of the ‘Women on Track’ initiatives, we’re featuring four women in athletics; those who are not in the spotlight but are behind the scenes making the wheels turn and who have a huge impact in our sport.

In line with our core values – Respect, Accountability, Communication, Quality, Integrity, the theme for International Women’s Day 2018, is #PressforProgress, a ‘call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity’.

What is your role?

I am the Paralympic Podium Potential Manager. This means I am responsible for supporting and helping find support for athletes (and coaches) on WCP programme to assist them in reaching their key objectives.

What woman inspires you and why?

I hope this isn’t cliché but my mum! My mother, born in the 50’s and growing up through a time when there were massive gender stereotypes, although conforming to some degree (had to do a secretarial course rather than the art degree she longed to do), she was ahead of her time in her mindset and therefore had to overcome great conflict as her views were always about realising women’s ability. Being an outspoken, strong woman, doing the majority of the DIY in our household, she has worked and earned a good wage, created a warm (and very stylish!) home and also managed to prioritise and fight for the best she could get for her 3 children.

The lessons she gave me in not limiting myself, especially based on my gender, gave me strong values and work ethic. I come from a long line of strong women, if it wasn’t her marching down to the school when she felt any one of her kids had been wronged, it was my gran. I am very thankful for all her support and in making me as independent and strong-willed as I am. Thanks, Mum! x

How are you going to #PressforProgress?

Although I know Athletics is by far the ‘more’ equitable sport in comparison to others, I still feel gender equality has still got a very long way to go.The biggest impact I, personally, can make is trying to be the best I can be and be heard in the male-dominated industry we work in. I am already part of a very successful and majority female Para performance team, so I am privileged to be in such a fantastic environment already. I know I cannot make massive change alone, therefore in working together to support the athletes to more medal success, we will increase the recognition of women’s contribution in our sport and that’s how we will #PressforProgress.