It’s all things ultra sport women on the podcast with Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, co – authors of the book “Ultra Women: the Trailblazers defying Sexism in Sport.” Outside of writing, Emma is an award-winning journalist specialising in medicine, science and health. While Lily is an England athletics coach, as well as a running, fitness and adventure travel writer.
We dive into the “why” behind their William Hill Sports Book Award–shortlisted title, uncovering the untold stories of women who didn’t just participate but challenged the rules, redefined limits, and changed sport forever. Every chapter of their book begins with a remarkable female achievement, paired with the resistance these women faced… and overcame. We get into the realities women are still navigating in the world of ultra sport in 2026. The confidence gap, the guilt of prioritising training, and the simple lack of time in already full lives. We unpack how some sports are evolving to welcome women, while others still have a long way to go (tune in to hear which ones!). From ill-fitting kit and male-centric training plans to the deeply personal conversation around menstruation in sport, nothing is off the table.
We also explore the generational shift, the women who “just got on with it” versus today’s athletes who are asking bigger, bolder questions and why that matters. And yes, we talk about the unforgettable stories, including the legendary Barclay Match and a local Bradford heroine whose story will stay with you long after the episode ends, it certainly stayed with me. This conversation is honest, energising, and deeply important. It’s about where we’ve been, where we are, and where women in sport are going next.
If you’ve ever questioned your place in sport, struggled to make space for yourself, or simply want to feel inspired, this episode is for you. Ultra sport women, there’s a space for you!