Travel to Greece and watch Kyniska, a Spartan princess, become the first ever woman to win at the ancient Olympic Games. Or touch the heavens with Junko Tabei as she carves her path through history and mountain ranges with little applause but a lot of bravery.

From football superstars to trailblazing Olympians, women throughout history have fought for the right to take part, win or lose, in sports across the globe. Whether they were the Lionesses on the pitch who won Euro 2022, or behind the scenes setting up rival games when the Olympics said NO to women, these women are all sporting heroes.

Kate Pankhurst, illustrated by Kate Pankhurst