BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour has revealed its much-anticipated Power List, which this year features 30 of the UK’s most outstanding women in sport. Woman’s Hour is proud to announce England and Arsenal footballer Leah Williamson OBE at the top the list, which was revealed live on the programme in front of an audience in the BBC Radio Theatre, hosted by Nuala McGovern.

The list was judged by Sam Quek (Olympic hockey player and broadcaster) Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (one of the UK’s most celebrated Paralympians and member of the House of Lords), Ebony Rainford-Brent (World Cup-winning cricketer and broadcaster) and Chair Jessica Creighton (former footballer and award-winning broadcaster).

Audiences sent in their suggestions for judges to consider, leaving the panel to weigh up the evidence and debate which names would make this year’s list. It features a mixture of sportswomen, leaders, change-makers, amplifiers and grassroots contributors.

Leah Williamson is celebrated for her incredible achievements in football, which include captaining England on their journey to UEFA European Championship 2022 victory, the first major trophy since 1966. As an Arsenal player, Williamson has won numerous other major victories, including the Women’s Super League once, and the FA Cup and League Cup twice. She is also a highly effective advocate for equal opportunities for girls in sport. Williamson has shared her delight at topping the list, commenting: “It’s lovely – I’m just trying to do my job. My mum will be happy! It’s really nice, I’m slightly taken aback by that but very appreciative.”

Asked why the Woman’s Hour Power List is important, she says: “As women we’ve been living in the shadows, maybe, but we know that we have the ability to step up. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it – which is why when we do recognise women like this, it’s great because those aspiring to be in these positions can believe that there is a place for them in the sporting world.”

Second on the list is Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football for The Football Association, where she has championed equality, diversity and access in women’s football. Campbell holds a Damehood for services to sport, in recognition of the 50+ years she has spent influencing policy, as well as co-founding and chairing the Youth Sport Trust.

Third is Olympian Alice Dearing, who is one of the four co-founders of the Black Swimming Association, a non-profit organisation aimed at championing diversity in swimming from grassroots to the elite level. Dearing became the first black woman to swim for Great Britain at the Tokyo Games in 2020. Her advocacy for diversity in swimming has also seen incredible results, including FINA’s 2022 decision to add oversized swimming caps to their approved competitive swimwear list, to accommodate swimmers with thicker or longer hair, following an initial ban.

Other names on the 2023 power list include:

1. Ellie Downie, medal-winning gymnast for Great Britain who has spoken out about abusive behaviour in British Gymnastics

2. Heather Dunnell, Founder of Scottish Women’s Walking Group

3. Helen Hardy, Created the only official retail platform in the world dedicated to women’s football merchandise

4. Lotte Wubben-Moy, Arsenal and England footballer who campaigned for equal access to football for girls in the UK

5. Beth Barrett-Wild, Director of Women’s Professional Game at the England and Wales Cricket Board

6. Sophie Christiansen CBE, eight times Paralympic equestrian gold medallist

7. Dina Asher-Smith, British record holder for 100m sprint

Karen Dalziel, Editor of BBC Woman’s Hour, says: “ The Women in Sport Power List recognises 30 incredible women whose passion, dedication and expertise is transforming the profile and experience of women’s sport. We are proud to celebrate the unique qualities and achievements of each of these amazing women as they inspire others and bring about lasting change.”

Notes to the editor:

Here is the complete Woman’s Hour Power List 2023:

1. Leah Williamson OBE
2. Baroness Sue Campbell
3. Alice Dearing
4. Ellie Downie
5. Heather Dunnell
6. Helen Hardy
7. Lotte Wubben-Moy
8. Beth Barrett-Wild
9. Sophie Christiansen CBE
10. Dina Asher-Smith
11. Fiona Tomas
12. Sian Richardson
13. Jodie Ounsley
14. Gail Redmond MBE
15. Barbara Slater
16. Somayeh Caesar
17. Emma Booth
18. Manisha Tailor
19. Dr Rimla Akhtar OBE
20. Fadumo Olow
21. Tammy Parlour MBE
22. Jo Tongue MBE
23. Lauren Rowles
24. Maggie Murphy
25. Nalette Tucker
26. Alex Scott MBE
27. Professor Laura McAllister
28. Sue Anstiss MBE
29. Sarah Javaid
30. Ramla Ali