A Voice of a Champion: Sharron Davies on Women’s Sports, Wellbeing, and the Fight for Equality  

Sharron Davies is a name that resonates across generations. From her early days as a teenage Olympian to her current role as a vocal advocate for women’s sports and wellbeing, Davies has spent nearly five decades in the public eye, earning admiration for her achievements, resilience, and unwavering commitment to fairness. As a health journalist, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sharron to discuss her remarkable journey, her views on the state of women’s sports, and her passion for promoting physical and mental wellbeing.  

A Life in Sports  

Sharron Davies story is one of extraordinary talent and determination. At just 11 years old, she began swimming for Britain, and by 13, she was competing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Her career skyrocketed with Commonwealth gold medals in 1978 and an Olympic silver in 1980, though her achievements were overshadowed by the later admission of her East German competitors’ doping scandals.  

I competed during the East German era, Sharron recalls. These young women were being pumped full of testosterone, dominating women’s sports. Nothing was done about it for 20 years. It was devastating to see the impact on their health and the integrity of the sport.  

This experience shaped Sharron’s perspective on fairness in sports, a theme that has become central to her advocacy work today. After retiring from competitive swimming in 1994, she transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar face at the Olympic Games and on shows like Gladiators. Yet, her passion for sports and fairness never waned.  

The Fight for Women’s Sports  

In recent years, Sharron has emerged as a leading voice in the debate over transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Her book, Unfair Play, delves into the challenges women athletes have faced throughout history, from the East German doping scandal to the current controversies surrounding transgender athletes.  

Women’s sports are already poorly represented, Sharron explains. We get 4% of the sponsorship dollar and 4% of prime-time airtime. Now, we’re being told we can’t even have fair competition. It’s unethical and unscientific.”  

Sharron’s stance is rooted in her belief that biological differences between males and females cannot be ignored. Male puberty gives athletes a physical advantage—bigger lungs, stronger bones, and greater muscle mass. These advantages don’t disappear because someone identifies as female. Women’s sports should be protected for female athletes.”  

Her advocacy has not been without controversy, but Sharron remains steadfast. I’m fighting for the next generation of female athletes. I don’t want them to lose out on the opportunities they deserve.  

Wellbeing: A Lifelong Commitment  

Beyond her work in sports, Sharron is a passionate advocate for health and wellbeing. She emphasises the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and mental health, particularly in a world where sedentary lifestyles and processed foods are increasingly prevalent.  

We live in a world where people are becoming more medicalized, Sharron notes. Conditions like type 2 diabetes are on the rise because of poor diets and lack of exercise. We need to take control of our health.”  

Sharron practices what she preaches. She maintains a rigorous fitness routine, including gym sessions, cycling, and skiing. Exercise is part of who I am. It’s not just about physical health—it’s about mental wellbeing too. When I exercise, I feel better about myself.  

She also stresses the importance of setting a positive example for children. Our kids copy us. If we want them to be active and healthy, we need to model those behaviours. It’s about creating a culture of wellbeing within families.  

The Role of Nutrition  

Sharron is equally passionate about the role of nutrition in overall health. She believes that the modern diet, filled with processed foods and excessive sugar, is a significant contributor to many health issues.  

We’re eating too much sugar and too much processed food, she says. It’s not just about weight gain; it’s about the long-term impact on our health. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health issues are linked to poor diets.  

Sharron advocates for a return to whole, unprocessed foods. We should be eating locally and seasonally. We need to understand what’s in our food and make better choices. It’s not about being perfect, but about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time.”  

She also highlights the importance of moderation. I’m not against enjoying treats, but we need to be mindful. Processed sugar, in particular, is something we could all do with less of. It adds no nutritional value and only encourages overeating.”  

Mental Health and Physical Activity  

Sharron is a firm believer in the connection between physical activity and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel good. It’s not just about looking after your body; it’s about looking after your mind. 

She acknowledges that not everyone enjoys exercise, but she encourages people to find activities that work for them. You don’t have to love going to the gym. It could be walking, dancing, swimming, or even gardening. The key is to find something you can stick with and make it part of your routine.  

Sharron also emphasises the importance of sleep and stress management. We live in a fast-paced world, and it’s easy to neglect the basics. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying active are all crucial for mental wellbeing.  

A Broader Perspective  

Sharron’s concerns extend beyond sports and health. She is deeply troubled by the state of modern discourse, particularly the erosion of free speech. I spent a lot of my youth competing in Eastern Bloc countries. I saw what happens when free speech is curtailed. It’s dangerous.  

She is equally critical of the influence of money and ideology in public debate. People’s opinions are being bought and paid for. We need transparency and honesty if we’re going to address the challenges we face.  

Sharron is particularly vocal about the importance of protecting children from harmful ideologies. We’re seeing young people being pushed into boxes based on stereotypes. It’s devastating because we fought so hard to break free from those stereotypes. We need to let kids be kids and give them the freedom to explore who they are without pressure. 

The Future of Women’s Sports  

Looking ahead, Sharron is hopeful but cautious. She believes that the tide is turning in the fight for fairness in women’s sports, but there is still much work to be done.  

I think we’re starting to see some progress, she says. More people are speaking out, and there’s growing awareness of the issues. But we can’t be complacent. We need to keep pushing for change and holding organizations accountable.  

Sharron is particularly encouraged by the support she has received from fellow athletes and the public. It’s not easy to speak out on these issues, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response. People understand that this is about fairness and protecting the integrity of women’s sports.  

A Legacy of Resilience  

Sharron Davies’ legacy is one of resilience, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of fairness. From her early days as a teenage Olympian to her current role as an advocate for women’s sports and wellbeing, she has consistently used her platform to make a difference.  

I’ve been lucky to have a long and varied career, she reflects. “But what matters most to me is using my voice to stand up for what’s right. Whether it’s fighting for fairness in sports or promoting health and wellbeing, I want to leave a positive impact.  

Sharron’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. As she continues to advocate for fairness and wellbeing, she remains a beacon of inspiration for athletes, women, and anyone striving to make a difference in the world.  

Final Thoughts  

As our conversation drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Sharron’s passion and determination. Her commitment to fairness, health, and wellbeing is unwavering, and her voice continues to resonate in a world that often feels divided.  

We all have a role to play, she says. Whether it’s making healthier choices, standing up for what’s right, or simply being kind to one another, we can all make a difference. It’s about taking responsibility and working together to create a better future.”  

Sharron Davies is more than a sportswoman; she is a champion of fairness, a voice for women, and a tireless advocate for health and wellbeing. Her story is a reminder that with resilience and integrity, anything is possible.