Welcome to our fifth annual Women in Sport special.
In this issue and over the next month we’re celebrating the transformative power of sport on women’s lives, and the trailblazing athletes shaping its future. And for further proof of just how far athletes can inspire and motivate on a global scale, look no further than this month’s cover star, Venus Williams.
The tennis legend, entrepreneur and women’s health advocate has been on my vision board since we did our very first Women in Sport special five years ago. I still remember so clearly the incredible impact she and her sister Serena had on me as a teenager as I watched them stride onto the tennis court: two focused
Black sisters with braided hair and a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. Those two women
were set to change the world of tennis forever, and it was beautiful and exciting to see.
We photographed Williams at a manor house in Wimbledon on a balmy evening in the midst of the July heatwave. She’d come in fresh from a day at the famous tennis championships. Even after hours of meet-and-greets, and battling jet lag, Williams was unbelievably warm, fun and generous – exactly as you’d expect.
It was just a few days before she went on to break records once again. At 45, she became the oldest woman to win a singles match on tour since Martina Navratilova in 2004, aged 47. Williams beat fellow American Peyton Stearns – who is 22 years her junior – after entering the Washington Open as a wild card.
The match marked Williams’ long-awaited comeback after a break, due to an ongoing battle
with fibroids. (She has spoken publicly about the condition in order to shine a light on the
challenges women in sport so often face behind the scenes.)
Elsewhere, we speak to a range of other inspiring and rule-breaking women in sport.
These include one of our most celebrated rugby players, Tatyana Heard, as well as the female powerhouses who are driving a quiet revolution in Formula 1. The issue also delves into the wider obstacles women face in sport, from increased risk of injury, anxiety and depression to higher chances of online abuse.
Plus, we explore how young women across the country have found their voice through sport.
And we chart the enduring influence of sport on the fashion world.
We hope you are as inspired by these stories of resilience and hope as we have been while creating this issue for you. In the words of Venus Williams: ‘There are no limits to excellence – it’s all in your mindset and what you’re willing to put into it mentally, physically and emotionally.’ As ever, tell us what you think over at @marieclaireuk and be sure to keep an eye out for updates all month – there’s lots more to come.
Andrea Thompson
Editor in Chief
WORDS EDITOR
from the
The sun has risen, you creak the bedroom
windows open and let the linen curtains blow
in the morning breeze. As you head down
OLYMPIA JCREW
WOMEN WHO WIN
My Life In… Sport
with Red Roses Rugby star
Tatyana Heard
READ MORE
“It’s Not All Gold Medals and Trophies”:
What It’s Really Like Being a Top Female Athlete in 2025
READ MORE
The Rise of Cardio Couture:
Where Fitness Meets
High Fashion
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Editor in chief: Andrea Thompson
Editor: Sunil Makan
Senior Health Editor: Ally Head
senior ART EDITOR: ana ospina
FASHION WRITER: SOFIA PIZA
PRODUCER: CLARE LAZARO
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR: DIONNE BRIGHTON
JUNIOR SOCIAL EDITOR: MAGGIE JOYNER
Chief Sub-Editor: Nicola Moyne and Catherine Jarvie
CONTRIBUTORS: Zeynab Mohamed, Fern Buckley
MEET EDITORS
THE
sunil makan
Editor
Clementine Jackson
Fashion Editor
ANDREA THOMPSON
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ally Head
Senior Health and
Sustainability Editor
Lottie Winter
Beauty Director
Venus Williams:
“There are no limits to excellence – it’s all in your mindset and what you’re willing to put into it”
READ MORE
READ MORE
READ MORE
READ MORE
Yes, 40% of Formula 1 Fans Are Female—Here’s How 2025 Has Been Transformative for Motorsport
I'm A Black Woman Who Felt Sport
Wasn't For Me - But Tennis Clubs Created A Safe Space
Mischa Smith
Features Editor
MEET EDITORS
Lily Russo-BAH
fashion director
Lily Russo-BAH
fashion director
in
WOMEN
SPORT
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