Voting for your favorite British sportswoman of the 21st Century is a part of the BBC’s celebration of women’s sport this summer.
A shortlist of exceptional athletes has been created to honor the women who have had the biggest impact on UK sport since 2000, from Olympic and Paralympic champions to legends on the field.
A panel of experts evaluated the names of athletes from more than 50 different sports. We want you to choose the 21st-century UK sportswoman who best fits your criteria.
You can vote for your top three candidates by reading about each of the contenders below.
Nicola Adams – boxing
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Swimming instructor Rebecca Adlington
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Rugby union – Maggie Alphonsi
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Football player Lucy Bronze
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A five-time champion of the Champions League, 2020 FIFA Player of the Year, and a key player in England’s 2022 and 2025 European Championship victories. has spoken out about the seriousness of female athletes’ injuries in women’s sports, her ADHD, and online abuse. was appointed in 2023 as an MBE.
Cricket player Charlotte Edwards
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Jessica Ennis-Hill is an athlete.
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Katherine Grainger – rowing
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Tanni Grey-Thompson – Para-athletics
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Athletics: Kelly Holmes
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Cycling instructor Laura Kenny
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Ellen MacArthur sailing
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Kate Richardson-Walsh plays hockey
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Ellie Simmonds – Paraswimming
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Sarah Storey: Paragliding and Bicycling
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Triathlon and Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington
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determining the selection criteria and judges
More than 180 athletes from more than 50 different sports were chosen to make the shortlist of sportswomen. Making a significant contribution to women’s sport was both a requirement for inclusion on this longlist and outstanding accomplishments in their fields.
The individual must have played or played sports since 2000.
A panel of judges chose the 15 women on the list above from the longlist.
In the first round of the US Open, Novak Djokovic battled past American teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2, in his most recent attempt to win the record 25th major title.
The 38-year-old Serb battled through physical issues on Sunday to win his 80th match at Arthur Ashe Stadium despite losing in his first singles match since reaching the Wimbledon semifinals last month.
Djokovic became the first player to win 75 Grand Slam first-round matches consecutively, with 55 of those victories coming in straight sets, since the sport turned professional in 1968.
Djokovic, who appeared to be struggling with an injury midway through the match, described it as “a strange kind of match.”
The first set, which was 20 minutes long, followed by the second set, which was 20 minutes long, quite the opposite set. In the second set, I needed to stay on my toes and win the tie-break.
I started feeling better right away after that. It’s a great way to kick off this year’s campaign, but I can always do better.
The seventh seed fought back from a time violation to reclaim the contest’s opening set in double-quick time, and a heated discussion with the chair umpire followed shortly after.
The 19-year-old Tien had chances to level things up in the second set of a difficult match but fell apart in the tie-break, which was almost impossible for him to do in order to hand Djokovic his first Grand Slam defeat since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic used heavy groundstrokes from the baseline to take the third set to take a 3-1 lead. The four-time champion of New York tied the game with American Zachary Svajda in the end.
The good thing is that I only have two days off. It raises a small issue. I’m not hurt or anything. “I just struggled to stay in the long exchanges and recover after the points,” Djokovic said.
Since the US Open in 2023, Djokovic hasn’t won a Grand Slam.
[Robert Deutsch/Imagn Images via Reuters] Novak Djokovic, right, and Learner Tien shake hands after their first-round encounter.
Due to a problem at the launch site, Elon Musk’s parent company, SpaceX, has called off a planned test flight of its starship megarocket.
SpaceX announced that it was resuming its 10th test flight about 30 minutes before the scheduled liftoff on Sunday at its Texas launch facility to “allow time to troubleshoot a problem with ground systems.”
On Monday, SpaceX announced that it would attempt the launch once more.
The launch failure is just the latest in a long line of SpaceX’s botched missions.
Mid-flight explosions occurred during tests of the rocket’s upper stage in January, March, and May, while a “static fire” test in June caused the vehicle to explode on the launchpad.
Although the spacecraft’s upper stage has yet to be reached, SpaceX has not yet been able to transport a payload to space or bring it back to the launch pad.
Musk’s goal of colonizing Mars requires the 403-foot (123-metre) spacecraft, and NASA intends to use a modified version of the vehicle for its planned crewed missions to the Moon.
The Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster would have separated dozens of miles in altitude if SpaceX’s most recent launch had proceeded as planned.
In order to test a backup engine configuration, Super Heavy, which has previously landed on its launchpad in giant mechanical arms, would have made a soft water landing in the Gulf of Mexico.
The starship intended to briefly ignite its own engines before going further into space, where it would have attempted to launch its first batch of mock Starlink satellites and restart an engine while traveling on a suborbital path around the planet.
Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York
Novak Djokovic believes that there was no lack of match practice to compensate for the “physical struggle” he experienced before winning the US Open first round.
The 38-year-old Serb hasn’t played since early July when he lost in the Wimbledon semi-finals, where he won 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 over American teenager Learner Tien.
Djokovic’s level drastically decreased during the second set as he appeared more agitated and sluggish in a humid New York.
After winning the second-set tie-break, the 24-time major champion said the blisters on his toe weren’t the cause of his dip, but that was after the match.
“I don’t have any injuries or problems.” Djokovic, who is seeded seventh, said: “I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points.”
“I haven’t played a formal game in six weeks.” I had to deliver my A-game, which I believe I did in the first set.
Djokovic has been reducing his schedule as he approaches retirement.
As he aims to win a stand-alone 25th major title, the former world no. 1 has become more focused on the Grand Slam competitions.
Prior to the US Open, Djokovic skipped the ATP Masters competitions in Toronto and Cincinnati.
Djokovic made a clear statement during his pre-tournament press conference during which he admitted he did not like the “long format of the Masters tournaments, which have been shortened by two weeks in recent seasons.
However, his appetite for Grand Slam victories persists despite the greatest prizes.
Djokovic won his 75th consecutive first-round match against Tien, who is ranked 50th in the world, in the Open tournament as the first singles player to do so in the Open era.
In his on-court interview, Djokovic said, “I wish I had Learner’s age, but when you come in your late 30s, it’s about learning how to maintain the energy for what matters.”
Shelton & Fritz begin bids to end a 22-year wait
Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, the Americans’ most recent bids, put an end to the country’s 22-year search for a Grand Slam men’s singles champion as they advanced to the second round.
With his US Open triumph in 2003, Andy Roddick became the last American player to capture a major singles title.
Fritz, 27, has reached the most recent drought-stricken final at Flushing Meadows, making him the first American man to do so in 15 years.
Emilio Nava, who is seeded fourth this year, defeated Fritz 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, while Shelton, who is sixth, defeated Grand Slam debutant Ignacio Buse, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Two American men have been seeded in the top eight for the first time since the 2007 US Open.
According to Fritz, “We’re in a great position in American tennis.”
Images courtesy of Getty
Shelton, 22, won the tournament’s inaugural game after taking just over two hours to complete victory on the world-renowned Arthur Ashe show court.
The former semi-finalist is in strong form, having earlier this month won the Canadian Open’s first ATP Masters 1000 title.
Shelton said, “The US Open is the pinnacle of tennis for me and what I dreamed about as a child.”
For me, it is starting to feel like home.
Mensik makes an advance on the day of the opening.
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As play began on Sunday, teen sensation Jakub Mensik put forth a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-4 victory over Nicolas Jarry from Chile.
Mensik, who is 16th overall, defeated Djokovic in the Miami Open final to claim his first ATP Tour title in March, and he has twice advanced to New York’s third round.
After beating Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7) 6-2, the 19-year-old Czech will face Ugo Blanchet next.
Alexander Shevchenko defeated him 6-1 6-1 6-2 in the other match.
One star sign is instructed to not neglect those in need according to today’s horoscope for August 25, while another ignores their spiritual needs.
Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)
One star sign will reveal a friendlier side to someone who had previously appeared distant or arrogant on August 25.
There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.
These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
By recognizing that you have taken on too much, you are not a failure. Reach out for assistance if you’re having trouble meeting a deadline. Who intervenes to assist you might be surprised. Someone who appeared distant or patronizing is now embracing their inner self.
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)
You excel at being organized and practical. People frequently turn to you for help with their lives. Do something for yourself rather than donating all of your time to friends and coworkers. You are doing it for you, which is what counts, even if you’re just going to a nearby park or museum.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
You are not the only one. You may feel isolated due to financial difficulties. Find support instead of focusing on these emotions. Talk to a friend who is compassionate about your situation or speak with a friend who is a good financial advisor.
Cancer (June 22 – July 23)
A great time to organize your surroundings is now. Prior to beginning anything else, arrange your files according to how frequently you use them. Why not store documents in a box that is out of the way if you only need them once a year? You should be able to access items that you require frequently.
Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)
Sometimes you and your partner have financial disagreements. Consider being more budget-conscious if money is tight and you want to avoid focusing on expensive brands. Your top priority should be to increase your profits if you’re starting a new company. You’ll be able to buy yourself more expensive goods in a year or two.
Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
When someone asks for it, you don’t mind, but is someone starting to take advantage of your kindness? Start putting a caress in your life over a controlling neighbor. Don’t let your lost loyalty make you feel unworthy of your care.
Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
Maintaining a positive outlook is essential to unlocking your potential. It becomes simpler to think creatively when you are optimistic about the future. While allowing yourself to dwell on your past mistakes will prevent you from achieving your goals.
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Your job is causing conflict between you and a loved one. You’ve run out of ideas about your failure. It is crucial to strike a better balance between your personal and professional life. If your partner or close friend could understand your ambition, that would be helpful.
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
You’ve always embraced adventure. You don’t care about a life that is routine, you. You occasionally engage in things that seem foolish on other people because of this. At least it has the potential to worse. You might be putting all of your effort and effort into a dull, uninspired existence.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Your progress is being evaluated. The people in charge’s trust will be earned by demonstrating your abilities and commitment. Once tasks are finished, you can relax at any time later. Don’t be hesitant to ask friends for assistance if you’re looking for a job. Someone might be aware of a job opportunity close to your home.
Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
You don’t get the overall point across when you’re too focused on your work. You have been neglecting your spiritual needs. Your fatigue and anxiety are made worse by a lack of quiet time for yourself. You won’t find true tranquility until you become alert.
Continue reading the article.
Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Due to the fear of offending those with opposing viewpoints, it has been challenging to express your thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. For trustworthy feedback, speak with people you trust. You might want to consider presenting some of your ideas in a different, less contentious way.
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According to the military, National Guard troops are now carrying weapons while they are obedient to President Donald Trump’s orders to patrol the country’s capital.
According to a statement from the Joint Task Force-DC, “service members began carrying their service-issued weapon” on August 24, 2025.
The statement stated that only the troops are permitted to use force “as a last resort and only as a response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.”
The National Guard would either carry M17 pistols or M4 rifles, according to unnamed officials who spoke to Reuters.
One week after sending troops there, Trump made the announcement on Sunday, when he made the claim that there was “NO CRIME AND NO MURDER IN DC.”
Trump claimed in a similar post on Truth Social that he might “send in the “troops” to the Baltimore-arean community, which he described as “out of control” and “crime-ridden.”
Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, invited Trump to visit Baltimore and walk its streets, and he responded, “I would much prefer that he clean up this Crime disaster before I go there for a “walk.”
However, Baltimore Police Department reports a double-digit decrease in gun violence in July compared to the previous year. According to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the city has experienced 84 homicides this year, the lowest number in more than 50 years.
Washington, DC, home to just over 700,000 people, is now home to tens of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers.
The National Guard is a reserve force that, according to the US Army, can be called on to respond to “counter-drug efforts,” foreign combat missions, and domestic emergencies.
During a rally along the U-Street corridor in northwest Washington, DC, on Saturday, people protest Trump’s use of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops.
Protests, fear and confusion from residents, as well as federal law enforcement officers, have been reported for their presence in the nation’s capital.
Despite the fact that official data indicates crime is down in the city, some Republican governors have sent hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, DC, which the president has described as being in the grip of a crime wave.
The president has the authority to take over policing in the capital for up to 30 days because it is not a state.
The district’s designation as a state has long been a top priority for many residents. After passing a bill through the then-Democrat-controlled House of Representatives in 2020, Democrats did not pursue it further.
Meanwhile, Trump’s push to send troops to Chicago was rejected on Sunday by JB Pritzker, the Democratic governor of Illinois.
