BRITAIN'S most inspirational sportswomen have been revealed as Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe and Dame Kelly Holmes.
A poll of 2,000 fans also saw Alex Scott, Emma Raducanu and Princess Anne in the top ten.
Jessica Ennis-Hill was named Britain's most inspirational sportswomanCredit: Times Newspapers LtdSerena Williams retired from tennis in 2022 but is still high upCredit: Sunday TimesKelly Holmes at the 2004 OlympicsCredit: AFP - GettyPaula Radcliffe was fourth on the listLaura Kenny, Rebecca Adlington and Jill Scott also made the list.
Retired track star Ennis-Hill topped the lot, having won gold at the 2012 Olympics along with her three world championships.
Serena Williams - who retired from tennis last year - was just behind.
Schools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaosPresenters Clare Balding and Gabby Logan also made the list, as did ex-footballer turned pundit Scott.
And England Lioness hero Scott - who captained the country to Euro 2022 success - just came outside the top ten.
A spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research to launch its Women’s World Cup sweepstake, said: “There are some really influential women to be found in sport, across many different disciplines.
"But it has to be said that football is having a golden moment right now and it’s brilliant to see.
“What we love most is how many people have taken up a sport of their own after having watched women’s football.
"Not long ago, it was near impossible to catch a female team on the TV so having all of this coverage is clearly making a big difference.
“There’s still a way to go for women’s sport, but seeing the country get behind the World Cup this summer just goes to show that we’re all eager for more – we can’t wait for England’s first game against Haiti.”
The research also found more than a quarter of the names on the top 40 list were female footballers - after 52 per cent of adults watched the Lionesses win the Euros last summer.
Laura Kenny celebrates on the podium during the Commonwealth GamesCredit: APEx-swimmer Rebecca Adlington at the Rio 2016 Olympic GamesCredit: GettyVenus Williams during Wimbledon 2023Credit: Getty