Women have traditionally been discouraged from participating in sporting activities. Undaunted, sportswomen of all kinds have demonstrated their determination to break records and demolish outdated notions of the weaker sex. Now, the professionalisation of women's sports such as football, rugby and cricket has led to renewed popularity and commercial investment big time, will there finally be a level playing field for all? Includes an overview of historic and pioneering women in sport by sports historian Professor Jean Williams and 25 interviews with contemporary women in sport. With colour photos throughout.