The most inspirational female sporting moments of the last five years have been revealed – with England's victory against Germany in the 2022 Women's Euros storming ahead to the top spot.
Almost a third of the 2,000 adults polled voted the Lionesses' first ever major international trophy as the most defining and impactful moment from women's sport in recent memory.
Tennis star Emma Raducanu MBE took second place in the list with her dramatic win in the 2021 US Open, while Chloe Kelly's passionate goal celebration in the 2022 Women's Euros came third.
Completing the top five sporting moments were Rachael Blackmore winning the Grand National in 2021, and Dame Laura Kenny winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
And other popular women's victories included Fallon Sherrock becoming the first woman to beat a man at the 2019 PDC World Championships in darts, and American Simone Biles becoming the most decorated gymnast that same year.
It also emerged seven in ten of the women who watched England’s triumph over Germany in the Women’s Euros, felt inspired to play football afterwards.
The study was commissioned by Trainline, which is offering £10 off rail travel for fans travelling to women’s matches by train – to encourage more supporters to attend fixtures.
Lionesses star and Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner, Beth Mead, said: “It was an incredible experience with England to receive the nation’s support on our route to winning Euro 2022.
“It gave the squad a massive boost to play in front of a record crowd of over 87,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, and knowing that millions more were watching from home.
“It was a thrilling moment to be a part of. I want to see women’s football grow from strength to strength, and I believe this initiative will help to introduce the sport to a new audience, as well as inspire the next generation of girls to pick up a football.
“There really is nothing like it!”
The study also found that, according to parents polled, 40% of kids watched this year's Euros final – with 82% revealing it has inspired their child to play sports.
On a similar note, a quarter (26%) of all adults have taken up a new sport in the last five years – with football, swimming, and tennis among the top choices.
And seven in ten admitted they were inspired by notable female sporting moments to start something new.
Overall, 57% of those polled, via OnePoll, believe women’s sporting moments of the last five years have inspired the next generation to take part in sports.
But 43% admitted they would like to attend more sporting events in future, if they could save money to travel to the facilities.
Milena Nikolic, from Trainline, which has committed £100,000 towards travel discounts for women’s matches, added: “The Lionesses’ win at the Euros is a moment England fans will never forget, and we want to do all we can to keep the momentum going.
“Trains are not only a more sustainable way to travel, but also a convenient way to get to the stadiums – and we are so proud to be able to do our part to both help our customers, and support the growth of the game.
“In addition to the promotion, customers can save further on their train tickets by booking in advance and using a digital Railcard.”
TOP 10 INSPIRING MOMENTS IN WOMEN’S SPORT IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS:
- England winning Women's Euros 2022
- Emma Raducanu MBE winning the 2021 US Open
- Chloe Kelly's goal celebration during England vs. Germany Euros 2022 final
- Rachael Blackmore winning the Grand National in 2021
- Dame Laura Kenny winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Serena Williams Australian Open victory in 2017
- England Netball winning gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Fallon Sherrock becoming the first woman to beat a man at the PDC World Championships
- Simone Biles becoming the most decorated gymnast in 2019
- Team GB's first Olympic hockey gold medal in Rio 2016
