Celebrating March 8 International Women’s Day, we look at Yorkshire female role models who have changed the world of politics, science, sport, art, literature and popular culture.
7. Beryl Burton
The Leeds cyclist dominated women’s cycle racing in the UK, winning more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles, and setting numerous national records. She set a women’s record for the 12-hour time-trial which exceeded the men’s record for two years.
8. Jessica Ennis-Hill
She was the poster girl of the 2012 Olympics and her victory in the heptathlon at the London Games was part of the legendary Super Saturday when she, along with Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah, all won gold in the space of just 44 minutes. She retired after the Rio Games as one of Britain’s greatest ever athletes.
9. Nicola Adams OBE
British former professional boxer who competed from 2017 to 2019. She became the first ever female boxer to retain an Olympic title after securing her second Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016, following up her triumph from London 2012.
10. Janet Baker
She is one of Britain’s leading opera singers closely associated with early Italian opera and the works of Benjamin Britten. The Doncaster-born singer’s performances were admired for their dramatic intensity and in the world of opera she has few rivals.