The women inspiring the Fifty Digital team
On International Women’s Day, the team here at Fifty Digital have been reflecting on which sportswomen inspire them.
Whether it’s through dealing with a certain athlete in the past, or just an admiration that has lasted since they first watched a particular athlete in action, there was no shortage of options in the office.
Below we have some of the selections from the team, but the overall consensus was that picking just one was the hardest part!
James Campbell – Co-Founder
Susie Wolff is always an inspiration. Having been a development driver in Formula 1, she has gone on to become the first and only female team boss in Formula E, taking control of the Venturi team. She has also been a huge advocate for women becoming increasingly involved in motorsport through her Dare To Be Different programme. She has been inspiring people ever since she entered the world of motorsport, and it is great that she continues to do so! She was inspiring before we worked with her, and even more so afterwards.
Nick Jackman – Co-Founder
Few people have been such a source of inspiration as Kathrine Switzer. In 1967, she became the first woman to run the Boston marathon. Women were not allowed to run more than 1500m in sanctioned races at the time, and an official chased her down to try to remove her official race number. Thanks to an assist from her then boyfriend, she escaped the organiser’s clutches and went on to finish the race, setting the standard for the great women runners of today.
Maddie Coutts – Business Development Manager
It has to be Serena Williams. Although an obvious choice, I’ve grown up only ever knowing her as the female tennis player. Defying all stereotypes as to what a tennis player should be built like, it is her mental strength that inspires me. Coming back from a complicated childbirth, whilst in the public eye with the pressure on her shoulders, she showed nerves of steel to even try. Although at times she can be sassy, which I have to admit I love, she’s also showed in recent times that she’s human. She’s a great ambassador not only for women in sport but for women generally.
Ross Jeavons – Senior Digital and Social Media Manager
It was a privilege to witness first-hand the rise of England’s Fran Kirby during my time at Reading FC. She overcame personal adversity, became the first female professional footballer in the club’s history and is now undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in world football. You can’t help but be inspired.
Imogen Thom – Digital and Social Media Co-ordinator
Paula Radcliffe. For me, she will forever be a source of inspiration as the fastest female marathon runner of all time. Occasionally an athlete emerges and achieves something so remarkable, it redefines what is possible in the sport. When it comes to female marathon running, Paula paved the way to new possibilities. She races hard, but she trains harder. On top of that, despite a tough journey with the media, she has tirelessly campaigned for fairer sport and led the way to a clean race.
Nick Morris – Digital and Social Media Director
Jasmin Paris. She was the first woman to win the gruelling, non-stop 268-mile Montane Spine Ultra-Running Race earlier this year. Not only did she win, but she smashed the course record by 12 hours while stopping to express milk for her baby at the aid stations along the course. Added to that, she battled hallucinations and extreme exhaustion but never quit, never faltered and shocked the world while inspiring a new generation.
Diana Vassalo – Insights Manager
Telma Monteiro is incredibly inspirational. After coming back from an injury that could have ended her career, she managed to go against all odds by winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. I remember that moment really vividly, and was ecstatic that day! Her achievement felt really personal – not only because she’s incredibly resilient, but also because she’s a fellow countrywoman.
Max Woodward – Digital and Social Media Manager
Petra Kvitova’s story is incredible. Already a 2-time major champion, in late 2016, she was robbed in her home by a knife-wielding attacker who stabbed her in the hand, causing tendon and nerve damage. Astonishingly, she was back on court 5 months later and reached this year’s Australian Open final. To come back from being told you may never be able to hold a tennis racket again and reach a Grand Slam final is truly incredible. She maintained her light-hearted social media presence throughout and still has a great way with fans and everyone in the world of tennis.
We look forward to learning about new stories and athletes which will help us add to this list of incredible women.
