Newsletter: 25 June 2025
Image: Garry Bowden
“I’m super proud to become
European champion and complete the set. It was a fantastic race today and congratulations to Nelia and Maria for the silver and bronze. Paracanoe is only getting bigger and bigger and it’s great to be a part of it!”
Welsh para-canoeist Laura Sugar on achieving the KL3 European Championship gold at the weekend, speaking to We are Girls in Sport. Congratulations Laura!
welcome … this week we have another new writer, Euros build up, tennis, athletics, ICYMI- sit back and have a read.
If you have a sports story, please email it to us hello@wearegirlsinsport.com. We’d love to hear from you.
Football
Introducing our new football writer, Sophie Hawkins. We first met Sophie back in 2023 playing water polo but she also loves football. Read about Sophie 2023 here and Sophie 2025 here 👇
Hi, I’m Sophie - I am passionate about women’s sports, and I play and coach water polo. As a female player in a male dominated sport, I am part of an amazing team of women that support and give me confidence to develop my game. As a result, I have competed in the London League and Water Polo National Age Group tournaments this year. I have been lucky enough to experience the positive impact that sport can have on young girl’s life and aim to be a role model to younger players through my coaching.
I also have a love of football and, by writing for We are Girls in Sport, I hope to highlight the inspiring achievements of female footballers, and the way they are shaping the game.
July 2, less than a week away, marks the start of the highly anticipated Women’s Euros 2025 in Switzerland; 16 teams across four groups are all vying for the title of European Champions.
In Group D, title-holders England and first-timers Wales kick off their tournament campaign on the 5th of July, as Wales are up against the Netherlands (5pm BST), and England face France (8pm BST).
Both teams have faced difficulties leading up to the tournament, with England suffering the loss of two highly experienced players. Mary Earps declared her shock retirement just five weeks before the start of the tournament, and Millie Bright announced she was stepping away from international duty for the duration of the Euros for personal reasons. Fran Kirby wasn’t in the running but her stepping out of the picture added disruption to the atmosphere around the squad.
Their qualifying matches have been uncertain, with a convincing 6-0 win against Portugal bracketed by defeats from Belgium and Spain, but Sarina Weigman’s squad are looking to repeat their success from three years ago and return home with another trophy.
Wales come into their first major tournament as the lowest ranked team in arguably the most difficult group. However, Manager Rhian Wilkinson has produced some impressive results so far in her 16 months in charge; most notably two 1-1 draws against Sweden, a team ranked 24 places above them. Key players such as Jess Fishlock and Hannah Cain are also in good form, and Wales hope to prove their underdog status wrong and cause an upset by making it through the group round and beyond.
All games are free to watch on BBC and ITV.
Wales announced their squad at the top of Yr Wyddfa.
Image: Alamy
Athletics - Ava John
Each event within track and field has its counterpart. Where some require grace, others demand pure force. Where some call for immense aerobic capacity, others rely on anaerobic power. While one may require tactical precision on the track, another demands lightning-fast reactions. Yes, I’m talking about middle distance vs. sprinting.
Despite their differences, both of these disciplines share one thing in common: they are currently thriving in the UK.
Amy Hunt, the world under-18 record holder over 200m, burst back onto the scene this year with a swift 22.45 at the Diamond League in Paris. Dina Asher-Smith also appears to be in great form, running a 10.93 in the 100m at the Stockholm Diamond League.
Amy Hunt, left, competing in Doha earlier this season.
Image: AP
There is also a wealth of exciting young talent in the under-23 age category—Renee Regis, Nia Wedderburn-Goodison and Faith Akinbileje, to name just a few. Keep an eye out for these juniors at the European Under-23 Championships, as well as at the World Championships in Tokyo later this year, where the women’s 4x100m relay team looks incredibly strong.
Over the longer distances, Georgia Hunter-Bell—who won bronze in the 1500m at last year’s Olympics—recently clocked an impressive 1:57.66, making her a firm favourite for the World Championships later this year (whether in the 800m or the 1500m).
We have yet to see Olympic champion Keeley Hodgkinson in action this season. She has been managing a few injuries but is planning to return to the track very soon—so keep your eyes peeled.
Tennis - Amelie Brooks
Wimbledon is just around the corner, and with qualifying starting this week and wildcards being announced, tennis in Britain is getting stronger each year for the momentous grass Grand Slam.
Last week Katie Boulter recorded a stunning streak of 12 wins at her home tournament in Nottingham but fell short to the eventual winner McCartney Kessler (USA) in a three-set battle.
This week, the prestigious Eastbourne WTA 250 and Wimbledon Qualifying take place.
The list of Brits in qualis includes:
⁃ Amarni Banks
⁃ Ranah Stoiber
⁃ Emily Appleton
⁃ Katie Swan
⁃ Lily Miyazaki
⁃ Amelia Rajecki
⁃ Ella Mcdonald
⁃ Katy Dunne
Special mention to Katie Swan and Katy Dunne who came through the pre-qualifying playoffs after battling injuries over the past year!
ICYMI
Golf - Charley Hull came 12th in the KPMG Women’s Championship at PGA Frisco which may not be the result she was hoping for, but she did sink this impressive putt. Worth a watch. 👀
Redefined - this is a great US based podcast that has just finished season one. Catch up here and have a listen. This is a great one with Jess Smith. And talking of podcasts, we’re loving this one on BBC Sounds with Ella Toon, Alessia Russo and Vick Hope.
Basketball - In the US, WNBA star Caitlin Clark of Indiana Fever suffered a poke in the eye in their contest against Connecticut Sun at the weekend. Check out the drama here.
Cricket - Did you read our cricket contributor’s piece on the Vitality Blast? Regina Suddahazai gives us her opinion - what’s yours?
Your story here! - We are inclusive at WAGIS and we want your story! Share it with us by emailing hello@wearegirlsinsport.com
Bagsy that place on the sofa for the Euros …
The WAGIS Team x