Skip to main content
Dodds hails Martin for shifting stigma around women in sport
Britain's Jennifer Dodds during the Women's Curling Gold Medal match on day sixteen of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at the National Aquatics Centre in China, February 20, 2022

JENNIFER DODDS was still the “weird girl” at school when she stayed up late to watch Rhona Martin slide home curling’s so-called ‘Stone of Destiny’ and clinch Great Britain’s first Winter Olympic gold medal since Torvill and Dean in Salt Lake City in 2002.

It was a moment that helped Dodds realise her commitment to sporting success need not be just a pipe dream, and she would be proven correct 20 years later when she formed part of Eve Muirhead’s team who emulated Martin’s famous curling triumph in Beijing.

Dodds credits the shift away from the stigma of being a young girl involved in sports to moments like Martin’s success, and believes International Women’s Day still plays a crucial role in reinforcing the opportunities and pathways that are available.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Gisele Pelicot presents the German edition of her memoir, 'A Hymn for Life', in Hamburg, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

Gisele Pelicot said ‘shame must change sides.’ We may think we agree, but, argues LOUISE RAW, society still has some way to go

Matt Weston of Great Britain competes in the Men's Skeleton World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
Winter Sport / 16 January 2026
16 January 2026
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean arriving for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at dock10 Studios at MediaCityUK, Salford. Picture date: Thursday December 18, 2025
Honours / 30 December 2025
30 December 2025
Women’s rugby union / 27 August 2025
27 August 2025

Red Roses can further cement tournament favourite status when they face Samoa