A lack of strong female role models could be deterring women from participating in sport in their ladies fitness wear, it has been suggested.

The profile of major women athletes is much smaller than that of men, according to Dame Kelly Holmes.

Speaking to the Guardian, the double Olympic Gold winner explained that England women's sports team successes are not as highly publicised as those of professional men's teams.

She told the newspaper that successful female sports personalities such as cricketer Claire Taylor and cyclist Victoria Pendleton should be written up in magazines, to encourage girls to look up to them.

Encouraging women to participate in sport from a young age could be key to maintaining health, with recent research by scientists from the University of Houston indicating that cardiovascular health and fitness levels deteriorate with age.

Posted by Martin Sebborn ADNFCR-2569-ID-19521448-ADNFCR

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