Double Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams has reignited the debate over pay disparity in sports, declaring that the battle for equal pay for female athletes is far from over.
The trailblazing boxer, who made history as the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title in 2012, spoke passionately about the ongoing struggle for gender equality in professional sports. 'We've come a long way, but there's still so much more to achieve,' Adams stated.
A Champion's Perspective
Adams, who retired undefeated in 2019, emphasised that while progress has been made in some sports, significant pay gaps remain across many disciplines. 'When I look at tennis and football, we're seeing positive changes, but boxing and other sports still have a mountain to climb,' she explained.
The Current Landscape
The Olympic hero highlighted several key areas where female athletes continue to face inequality:
- Prize money differentials in major competitions
- Sponsorship and endorsement disparities
- Media coverage imbalances
- Investment in grassroots development
'It's not just about the money,' Adams noted. 'It's about respect, recognition and creating equal opportunities for the next generation of female athletes.'
Call to Action
Adams urged sports governing bodies, sponsors and fans to maintain pressure for change. 'The conversation can't stop when the headlines fade,' she insisted. 'We need sustained commitment from everyone involved in sport to make equality a reality.'
The boxing legend concluded with a powerful message: 'My Olympic medals proved women belong in the ring. Now we need to prove we deserve equal reward for equal achievement.'
