As Katie bids farewell on her time at Quest Media Network, she takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments from her Women in Sport column.

It’s certainly clear to see that talent shines from Tameside and Glossop. Sport is manufactured in our area, with so many incredible athletes nurtured here, before blossoming to achieve greatness.

The first ‘Women in Sport’ column was published on 19 November 2020, 904 days ago.

Since this date, over 100 women have seen their name in print, sharing their outstanding sporting journeys.

The first column featured, then 20-year-old, Charlie Brincat. A sport with smaller participation rates than most, Charlie shared her story, being an underwater hockey player.

This debut column catapulted the feature into the spotlight, encouraging more women to speak out and inspire others to get involved in physical activity.

Football, boxing, motorsport, archery, tennis, if you’re able to name a sport, there’s a high chance it’s been featured in the column.

Regarded as the most popular sport in the UK, football is an integral part of British culture, and this couldn’t be more apparent in Tameside.

Curzon Ashton Women have graced the pages of the Tameside Reporter many times, highlighting their admirable teamwork and determination.

Their latest season has been insanely impressive, earning their place in not one but two cup finals.

Pip Wakefield and Amy Smith both saw their names in lights during the season, featuring in the column and sharing the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Just down the round, Ashton Pumas have been commended for their fantastic achievements this year.

Just recently the U14 team faced off against a squad of Australian girls, giving them a great opportunity to swap cultures and learn more about the beautiful game.

Team coach Laura Day has also been applauded for her success. Her life is consumed by football, if she’s not kicking a ball, then she’s teaching someone else how to.

She’s the epitome of a great coach, and this is clear to see through her work at Ashton Pumas.

It’s been lights out and away she goes for Alisha Palmowski this year as she dove into her second season of the Ginetta Junior Championships.

The young Glossop racer ended 2022 on a high, taking on a transformative 12 months racing cars after mastering karts.

The St Philip Howard student showed incredible determination throughout the 2022 season, and made an inspiring finish in the Winter Series, earning 2nd place.

The year 11 student juggles both her academic success and her need for speed on the track. However, Alisha never lets anyone get in her way, and will undoubtedly go on to become one of the UK’s best female racers.

Swapping four wheels for two, motorcycle racer Scarlett Robinson grew up in a sporty family and was destined to follow in their footsteps.

Growing up in the British Superbike paddock, she began racing in Motocross before progressing to Supermoto.

The New Mills superstar began in 2017 but went on to cruise through the British Superbikes Championship.

The local community is also known for its range of racers who speed around courses on two legs.

Tameside’s running community is a sight to behold, with implausible numbers of marathoners, park runners and cross-country experts.

To name just a few, Katie Kay, Hayley Simpson, Rachael Horrocks, Joanne Egerton and Emilia Platt have all shared their remarkable stories, encouraging women of all abilities to get moving.

Despite having just taken on road marathons, East Cheshire Harriers athletes Katie and Hayley can’t wait for the return of the cross-country season. What’s not enjoyable about running through the mud and rain?!

If you’re not a member of the Tameside running community, I would highly suggest for you to get involved. Take part in one of the local races this year and meet the most wonderful people while doing so.

Another fact I’ve picked up from running this column is that local ladies are not to be messed with.

Combat sport athletes are undeniably plentiful in Tameside, with an impressive number of boxers, kickboxers, and mixed martial arts fighters.

Naomi Kalu was the first female boxer to feature in the column, and what a remarkable character she ended up being.

One of the North West’s most hopeful young boxers, Naomi has worked impeccably hard to position herself in the world of women’s boxing.

She began her journey in the sport aged 14 and has proven to be an unstoppable force, both dedicated and committed to achieving her dream.

Her name will soon be seen in lights, putting her home of Oldham on the map, and climbing the ranks to the top of the boxing scene.

Katie Clegg also found an escapism within boxing and has watched her life transform while being part of the sport.

Her achievements are beyond noteworthy, and Katie has even managed to study for her university degree while competing in her sport.

18-year-old Eve Loughman has a similar story, having been a kickboxer for most of her life.

Kickboxing for over 12 years, Eve fell in love with the sport instantly and knew it was something she would take with her as she grew up.

An English, North West and Intercontinental champion, there’s not much that Eve can’t do, and her passion for sport is clear to see.

Since its launch, Women in Sport has aimed to inspire, educate and encourage as many women as possible.

The number of women who participate in sport in England is steadily increasing, but how amazing would it be if we could all share the benefits of an active lifestyle.

I walked through the doors at Quest Media in 2020, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible women.

Thank you for all the heart-warming support.

You are all inspirational women in sport!

Take a look at previous Women in Sport columns here.

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

Want more local sport stories?

Head to https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/ to see more of our coverage - from community and non-league football to local and county cricket, boxing, athletics, basketball, Esports and golf.