The women who inspired us to gold: Olympic heroines launch Femail's hunt for Britain's most inspirational women

By INDIA STURGIS

PUBLISHED: 22:21, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 12:36, 13 September 2012

Today, the Daily Mail proudly launches our sixth Inspirational Women Of The Year Awards, in association with The Sanctuary Spa and the charity Wellbeing of Women. 

Over the next four weeks, we'll be asking you to nominate the special women who deserve to be recognised - from an exceptional carer or extraordinary teacher to someone who's changed their community for the better. 

The awards are being conducted in association with The Sanctuary Spa in London and the Wellbeing of Women charity, which is dedicated to improving the health of women and babies by investing in research projects and training specialists. 

Five finalists will enjoy a complimentary day at The Sanctuary in Covent Garden and an all-expenses-paid trip to London in November, staying at the Mayfair Hotel. They'll meet Samantha Cameron at 10 Downing Street before attending the Awards Show Gala. The overall winner will also receive a £5,000 luxury break. 

To nominate your inspirational woman, simply fill out the form below and send it in, or email your entry to femail@dailymail.co.uk by October 10, 2012. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2201622/Daily-Mail-Inspirational-Women-Year--know-one.html

To launch the awards, INDIA STURGIS spoke to some of the incredible women who inspired us this summer - our gold-medal-winning Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Here, seven of them reveal the person who inspired them to win gold... 

Mum told me: Don't complain, just do your best

Sarah Storey, 34, lives in Manchester and is Britain's greatest ever Paralympian, having won 11 gold medals in swimming and cycling. She nominates her mother, retired nurse Mary Bailey, 62, from Macclesfield. 

There's nothing remotely starry about the woman who's my inspiration. She is my mother, who has supported me tirelessly from the moment I was born. 

Golden girl: Paralympic cyclist Sarah Storey, who was born without a left hand, has never felt disadvantaged thanks to her mother, Mary

When I was born without a left hand - my arm became entangled in the umbilical cord while I was in the womb - Mum could have been distraught. Instead, she vowed never to treat me any differently or expect any less of me. And that's been the making of me. 

Thanks to Mum's positive attitude, I always took part in able-bodied sport at school. If I complained that competitors had an unfair advantage with two hands, Mum retorted: 'Do your best and you can hold your head up high.' 

Unbeatable: Sarah in action on the bike in the London 2012 Paralympics

At 14, when I competed in my first Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, Mum was thrilled when I won two golds. But I knew she'd be just as proud if I came back with nothing - as long as I had done my best. All my medals are special, but winning my third 2012 Paralympics gold on Mum and Dad's 43rd wedding anniversary was particularly sweet.

Sarah Storey was funded by the National Lottery which helped support 9/10 Team GB competitors.

It all began when Paula gave me her autograph

Helen Glover, 26, lives in Caversham, Reading, and won gold in the rowing women's pair with Heather Stanning. She nominates long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe. 

Even though we now compete in different sports, it was Paula Radcliffe who inspired me to be a sportswoman. In my teens, I was a budding middle-distance runner - I only started rowing in 2008 after my mother saw a newspaper advertisement looking for tall people to take up the sport. 

Role model: Rower Helen Glover looked up to marathon runner Paula Radcliffe, right

I met Paula at a race when I was 15. I was competing in the junior event while Paula, who was quite well-known by then, was in the seniors' race. She spotted me staring at her and even though she was about to race, she came up to say hello and signed my race number. I was sold! 

Since then, she's consistently raised the profile of female athletes, winning title after title and breaking multiple marathon world records. She's increased funding and media interest, not only through her own performances, but through her tireless campaigning. 

She looks at the bigger picture and uses her influence on sport in a positive way. I hope to be able to do the same, and, as a former PE teacher, plan to focus on getting more children into sport.

Start of the gold rush: Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won Team GB's first gold of the games

For sheer grit, Dame Kelly is my guiding star

Heather Stanning, 27, lives in Reading and won gold in the rowing women's pair with Helen Glover. She is a captain in the Royal Artillery regiment. She nominates Kelly Holmes. 

Watching Dame Kelly win two golds in the 800m and 1500m during the 2004 Olympics in Athens was a pivotal moment in my life. It was the summer after I had left school, and her determination and sheer grit were truly incredible. 

Blazing the trail: Kelly proved to Heather that you can have an Army career and sporting success

Though I'd been a successful runner at school, I was more interested in my career after winning a British Army scholarship that funded me through university. Until then, it hadn't dawned on me I could be an Olympian and an Army officer. I learned that Kelly had also been in the Army - she was a physical training instructor - until she went into athletics full-time in 1997. She'd entered the men's events at Army athletic competitions because she was too fast for the girls.

Heroine: Kelly Holmes won gold over 800m and 1500m at the Athens Olympics

At university, someone suggested I try out as a rower because of my height. I quickly realised that was where my sporting talent lay. Thanks to Kelly blazing the trail before me, I knew I could follow both dreams. I met her in the Olympic Village and was so excited I could barely speak. If we meet again, I hope to hold it together enough to say: 'Thank you!'

Sarah showed me losing my hair was no big deal

Cyclist Jo Rowsell, 23, lives in Manchester and won gold in the women's team pursuit alongside Dani King and Laura Trott. She nominates Paralympic cyclist Sarah Storey, 34.

I've never met a competitor like Sarah. She is one of the greatest athletes I know - a true friend, an inspirational training partner and a fierce opponent. 

Winning five gold, eight silver and three bronze medals in the Paralympic games as a swimmer is incredible enough, but to think she didn't give up when an ear infection drove her from the water in 2004 and switched to cycling instead is testament to her willpower and natural sporting talent. 

Mind-blowing: Cyclist Jo Rowsell, left, thinks her friend and teammate Sarah Storey is extraordinary

Now she has won six golds for cycling and is the most decorated Paralympian - she is mind-blowing. 

She refuses to let her disability get in the way of her career. She competes and wins in disabled and able-bodied categories, and has brought a whole new audience to para-cycling and women's road racing. 

Having alopecia, I know what it's like to be looked at differently because of your appearance. Sarah hates being referred to as brave. Her disability - like my alopecia - is only super-ficial. We're athletes first and foremost.

Girl power: From left, Dani King, Laura Trott, and Jo Rowsell with their gold medals

Even now, Mum still comes out training with me

Cyclist Dani King, 21, who lives in Hamble, Hants, won gold in the women's team pursuit with Jo Rowsell and Laura Trott. She nominates her mum, Lynn King, 53. 

After we'd won gold, there was one person I knew would be more proud than anyone else: my mother, Lynn. She knew exactly what it had taken to get to that moment. 

Without her help, I would never, ever have won gold. When I started cycling aged 15, Mum bought a bike and started riding to keep me company. She still comes on the less strenuous rides with me - and sometimes she even manages to keep up! 

Support: Dani King's success is thanks to her mother, Lynn, right

Mum has a gift of always being encouraging, but never pushy. She is delighted I have won a gold medal, but I know she would have been proud of me even if I hadn't won anything. 

Financially, it's been a struggle for her. Mum's had to give up nice holidays and even swapped her BMW for a people carrier so we had a car my bikes would fit in. She's always been there for me, but supportive doesn't even cover it. 

She would do anything for my sister, Sarah, 19, or me. Hopefully, I'll have children one day, and if I can be half the mother she's been to me, I'll be happy.

My brave crew mate survived so much tragedy

Anna Watkins, 29, lives in Wokingham, Berks, and won gold in the rowing women's double sculls with Katherine Grainger. She nominates Carla Ashford, 34, her previous team-mate. 

Carla has suffered terrible tragedies in her life and come through them in a way that is not only inspirational, but exceptional. She was 28 when her father, Paul, died of a stroke in 2007. Then, nine months after the Beijing Games - at which we'd competed together - her mother, Christine, died suddenly from an aggressive form of oesophageal cancer. 

Family first: Rower Anna Watkins, left, admires Carla Ashford who gave up her professional career to care for her sisters after their parents died

Carla had to retire from rowing because she had three younger sisters to look after: Christiana, then 18, who has Down's syndrome, Francesca, 20, and Anastasia, 22. Most people would have gone to pieces, but Carla possesses the most incredible selflessness. 

She became Christiana's main carer, even moving her in to live with her and her husband, Jonno. She rented a bigger home so they could all fit in, and helped Christiana settle in at a lovely new school. She juggled everything to turn what was a disastrous situation into a happy family again. As an athlete, you put yourself first. Carla put everything aside and stepped up when she needed to.

Proud: Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins celebrate winning the women's double sculls at the London 2012 Olympics

Rebellious Aunt Kate made me believe in myself

Katherine Grainger, 36, lives in Maidenhead, Berks. She won gold in the rowing women's double sculls alongside Anna Watkins. Katherine nominates her late aunt, Kate Bagnell. 

Throughout my life there is one woman who has left a greater mark on me than any other, and that's my Aunt Kate. 

She was a real maverick: rebellious, fiercely independent and a firm believer in grabbing opportunities. Kate refused to let herself be curtailed by others, and without her I'm not sure I would have had the daring and self-belief to pursue my sport. I was 18 and studying law - with a traditional, academic path in front of me - when I discovered a talent for rowing. It was a big decision to put law on hold, but Kate helped me believe it could pay off. 

Always try your best: Katherine Grainger was inspired by her late aunt Kate Bagnell, right

She once said to me during a game of Trivial Pursuit: 'Win or lose, it doesn't matter. You have to get involved. The biggest failure is not to try.'

I've lived by that mantra ever since. I had been rowing for five years when she died suddenly from an underlying heart condition, aged only 58. It was devastating for the whole family. I wish she could have seen me win gold. I would have given her a big hug and told her she was right.

For more information go to www.sanctuary.com/inspirationalwomen

Pictures: STUART HENDY, NICK HOLT & JOEL ANDERSON. Styling: BARBARA McMILLAN. Hair & make-up: JOY GOODMAN AGENCY

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2202314/Inspirational-Women-Of-The-Year-Awards-Olympic-heroines-launch-Femails-hunt.html#ixzz26MTJZDyY

Girl Power Team GB as Dani King, Laura Trott, Beth Tweddle, Gemma Gibbons and Nicola Adams pose as the Spice Girls

Girl power! Team GB channel their inner Spice Girl as Dani King, Laura Trott, Beth Tweddle, Gemma Gibbons and Nicola Adams ditch their tracksuits and pose as the glamorous group

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 00:05, 11 September 2012 | UPDATED: 08:24, 11 September 2012

With over a third of Team GB's medals brought home by women, this summer really was the season of girl power. 

And although the Olympics are over, the great girls of the games are still enjoying every second.

Some of the nation's favourite female medalists have joined forces to celebrate in style by dressing up as the original girl-power icons and stars of the Olympics Closing Ceremony: the Spice Girls.

Spice up your life! The Team GB athletes showed off some real girl power as they posed as the iconic 90s band, Laura Trott as Baby, Dani King as Posh, Beth Twedde as Sporty, Gemma Gibson as Ginger and Nicola Adams as Scary

Cycling gold champions Dani King and Laura Trott; bronze gymnastic legend Beth Tweddle; Gemma Gibbons, who won silver in judo; and the first-ever women’s boxing gold medallist, Nicola Adams channeled their inner girl pop stars for the shoot for this week's heat magazine.

Laura Trott, 20, who shot to fame with her double gold cycling victory and friendship with Prince Harry as well as that famous kiss in the stands with boyfriend Kenny posed in a pink dress as Baby Spice.

She said: 'I was a crazy Spice Girls fan! I saw them when I was eight or nine, and I watched their reunion at the O2. 

'Baby Spice was my favourite! I used to be jealous of my sister, because her name’s Emma.  I was like, “Why did Mum and Dad give you the cool name?"'

Asked about the craziest thing that happened at the Olympics, Laura replied: 'Watching volleyball with Prince Harry – not many people can say they’ve done that. I met David Beckham the same night. That whole day was nuts.'

Laura Trott (left) loves dressing up; Gymnast Beth Tweddle (centre); Judo medalist Gemma Gibbon (right)

Nicola Adams and Dani King are representing girl power

Gymnast Beth Tweddle, 27, pulled off her best Sporty Spice jump, and looked every inch the glamorous athlete.

Speaking about her highlights of the Games she said: 'I got to meet Kate Middleton and Prince William. I was sitting next to her throughout the gymnastics final and she was asking questions. She’s so down to earth. I felt like I was chatting to a friend!'

Judo superstar Gemma Gibbons put on an orange wig and chanelled her inner Ginger Spice.

The humble 25-year-old said: 'On the morning of the day I fought, I had 600 Twitter followers; after my fight, I had 12,500! Olly Murs tweeted me and then I met him at the V Festival, which was really cool.

'I watched the Spice Girls at the Closing Ceremony. Everyone was looking forward to seeing them, and it was great to be there when they got back together.'

Nicola Adams, 29, the first ever girl to win a medal in boxing donned her best leopard print as Scary Spice.

The original iconic girl band in all their 90s girl power glory

The full interview with the girls is in this week's heat magazine

'I wouldn’t need a head guard in the ring with this much hair! And I’m not sure about the shoes, but I like the make-up. I wasn’t massively into the Spice Girls when they were big – I’m more of an R&B fan – but I saw them at the Closing Ceremony and I thought they were great,' she said.

'I’ve had loads of girls come up to me in the street and send me messages on Twitter, telling me they’re getting into boxing after seeing me fight, which is amazing. 

'But it’s not just sports, it’s about fighting for equality in everything. It’s so important and I’m really proud of the part I’ve played in that.'

21-year-old and cycling champion Dani King pulled off her best Victoria Beckham look in a fitted leopard print dress and trademark point.

She told the magazine: 'Kids knock on my door asking for autographs now and I’ve been to a party with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

'I miss everything about the Olympics and I can’t wait until the next one!'

The full feature appears in this week’s heat magazine, on sale now.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2201053/Team-GB-channel-inner-Spice-Girls-Dani-King-Laura-Trott-Beth-Tweddle-Gemma-Gibbons-Nicola-Adams-ditch-tracksuits-pose-glamorous-group.html#ixzz269RhWB4P

From Jessica Ennis to Nicola Adams, the Olympic medal-winning women who will inspire a generation

Now that is REAL girl power: From Jessica Ennis to Nicola Adams, the Olympic medal-winning women who will inspire a generation 

By LUCY WATERLOW

PUBLISHED: 14:05, 13 August 2012 | UPDATED: 15:35, 13 August 2012

From Lizzie Armitstead winning Team GB's first medal of the London Olympics to Samantha Murray taking the last, British women have risen to the occasion on every day of the 2012 games.

Of Team GB's impressive 65 medals, 26 of them were won by women with 12 gold medals, eight silver, and six bronze (while women like Laura Robson and Zara Phillips also contributed to other medals when part of a team with men).

Rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning started the gold rush and more first place finishes followed, including heptathlete Jessica Ennis, cyclist Laura Trott and boxer Nicola Adams.

First and last Team GB medal winners: Silver medallists Lizzie Armitstead in road cycling, left, and Samantha Murray in the modern pentathlon ensured women were successful at London 2012 from start to finish

Women kick off the gold rush: Rowers Helen Glover, left, and Heather Stanning won Team GB's first gold of the games in the women's pair

'Inspire a generation' was one of the themes of London 2012 and it's hoped these sporting heroines can now encourage more girls to follow in their footsteps.

Currently according to the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), a charity that campaigns to make physical activity an everyday part of life for women and girls, more than 80 per cent of women are not active enough to stay healthy while young women leave school half as active as young men.

Inspiration: Laura Trott, right, idolised Victoria Pendleton, left, when she was growing up and has now emulated her success taking two golds while Pendleton added to her Olympic collection with another gold and silver

World record: From left, Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell took gold and achieved a world record time in the women's team pursuit track cycling

The reasons why women don't take part in sport include lack of time while others say they are too embarrassed to be seen getting hot and sweaty. Others would rather be thin than fit. As some sections of the media often sell a skinny look as ideal, looking toned and muscular is often perceived as being butch and unfeminine.

Sue Tibballs, chief exec of WSFF told Stylist: 'There’s a real difference in attitude between girls and boys; being sporty is seen as a positive thing for boys whereas girls are raised to think it is more important to be thin than fit.'

Such was the misconception over ideal body shape that in the build up to London 2012, super-toned Ennis had to defend herself against accusations that she was 'fat'. 

Transforming body image ideals: Gold medallist Jessica Ennis' abs have been voted the most desirable in Britain

Toned and proud: Anna Watkins, right, who won gold in the double sculls with Katherine Grainger, says she's no longer afraid to show off her muscly shoulders

Tibballs said her organisation has been working hard to 'try to shift the agenda so that it’s positive for women to be seen as fit and strong.' Thanks to our 2012 female Olympians, this is starting to happen.

After Ennis' gold-medal winning performance, women are now clamouring to look more like her as last week it was revealed the 26-year-old’s abs were voted the most desirable in Britain.

Anna Watkins, who won gold with Katherine Grainger in the double sculls, has banished her own body image demons thanks to the games and hopes to inspire other women to do the same.

She told The Guardian that she used to feel self-conscious of her muscly shoulders but now feels she can be proud, rather than ashamed, of her athletic physique.

She said: 'I've got quite muscly shoulders and I wouldn't normally wear a vest-top, but now I feel proud to show them.'

Making history: Nicola Adams was the first female Olympic boxing champ after women were allowed to take part in the sport for the first time in the games this year

Real girl power: Gemma Gibbons, left, won silver in the judo while Jade Jones, right, took gold in taekwondo

She added that she hopes other girls can now learn that it is possible to be sporty and beautiful. She said of her female rowing team-mates: 'For us, the female ideal is athletic. We want to make our bodies look as strong and capable as possible.'

Teenager Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who competed in the heptathlon in London 2012 where she came 15th, agreed saying she hopes the efforts of female Olympians can show girls they should aspire for more than being a reality TV star or model.

Double celebration: Charlotte Dujardin won gold in the individual and team dressage competition

Showing girls that hard work pays off: Rebecca Adlington said she gave her all to win two bronze medals in the pools

'We're used to seeing girls on The Only Way Is Essex or Geordie Shore but now a lot of people have been seeing what women can do, in a positive way, with sport,' she said.

It's hoped the female Olympians can encourage women to become more active and competitive in all fields of sport from team games like hockey to fighting in the boxing ring.

Nicola Adams, who made history by becoming the first female boxer to win a gold medal at the Olympics said: 'I'm really hoping it brings more women into sport, even if not boxing. I was inspired by Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard and to think kids in the future have a female role model to look up to is really great.' 

Ruling the waves: Hannah Mills, left, and Saskia Clark took silver medals in the sailing

Team spirit: GB's women hockey players took bronze medals

Delight: Sophie Hosking, left, and Katherine Copeland celebrate winning gold in the final of the lightweight women's double sculls

Cyclist Laura Trott, who took two gold medals in the velodrome is evidence this can work. She was inspired growing up by Victoria Pendleton - who has proved that cycling can be glamorous as well as gruelling. She won another gold and silver medal at the London Olympics while her protege took two golds.

Laura said: 'If I can inspire anyone like Victoria inspired me I think that would be amazing and I just want somebody to want to follow in my footsteps as well.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2187669/From-Jessica-Ennis-Nicola-Adams-medal-winning-women-inspire-generation.html#ixzz23TOudCD8

Olympic heroine Joanna Rowsell, who suffers from alopecia, on why she refused to wear a wig to accept her gold medal

I wanted the world to see the real me: Olympic heroine Joanna Rowsell, who suffers from alopecia, on why she refused to wear a wig to accept her gold medal

By KATHRYN KNIGHT

PUBLISHED: 22:00, 12 August 2012 | UPDATED: 01:14, 13 August 2012

Joanna Rowsell still can’t quite believe she is the proud owner of her own gold medal. ‘It is a bit surreal,’ she says. ‘And it’s going to be pretty hard to top.’

Equally difficult for her to take in, however, is her overnight transformation into inspirational role model.

After roaring to Olympic victory in the women’s cycling track event, 23-year-old Joanna removed her helmet to reveal she is almost totally bald — the result of the alopecia she has suffered for 13 years — and chose to ascend the Olympic podium, watched by a worldwide audience of 17 million, to collect her medal without her wig. 

Hair loss condition: Olympic cycling heroine Joanna Rowsell has suffered from alopecia for 13 years 

Role model: Joanna is still taking in her Olympic win with Dani King (above left) and Laura Trott

There have, of course, been many moving and inspiring moments during London 2012. But Joanna’s simple choice sent a powerful message in these achingly image-conscious times — one that Joanna was acutely aware of.

‘On one level it was a case of “this is just me”. I get off my bike, take my helmet off and that’s who I am,’ she says. ‘I did know it would be making a statement — I just didn’t anticipate the size of the reaction.’

All over the world, commentators praised her courage, while her website was inundated with messages from fellow alopecia sufferers thanking her for making such a positive statement. 

‘I’ve had tweets and emails from all over the world from people telling me how much it has helped,’ she says.

‘One mum wrote to say her daughter had developed alopecia and was worrying so much about it, but that now she had seen me she felt more confident about the future.

HAIR LOSS: Alopecia areata — the most common form of alopecia — affects one in 100 people

‘Stories like that make me realise it was worthwhile.’

It should be said at this point that, in the flesh, Rowsell is enormously pretty. Fresh-faced and lean, she has luminous blue-green eyes and an impish smile.

Arriving for our interview in a pair of skintight jeans showcasing an enviable pair of legs  — ‘Well, I do work hard for them’ she grins — she is delighted by the prospect of a photoshoot in an assortment of pretty dresses.

‘I’m in a tracksuit a lot of the time, but I love wearing really girlie stuff when I have a chance to dress up. If I’m shopping, I’ll always navigate towards a pink flowery dress or something like that. Friends will sigh and say: “Oh, Jo, that’s so you.”

‘I think people can make assumptions when you have hair loss, but I like to look nice and feminine as much as the next person.’ 

Olympic champions: The cycling trio in action during London 2012

Alopecia occurs when the immune system becomes confused and attacks the body’s own hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out in patches that can eventually spread to the entire head.

Joanna, who grew up in Cheam, Surrey, was diagnosed aged ten when her thick auburn hair started to disappear. One eyebrow went, then the other, then the hair from her scalp in big chunks along with her eyelashes.

She was, she admits, bewildered. ‘At that age you don’t really understand. I remember crying and saying to Mum and Dad: “Why is this happening to me?” It was so upsetting.’

Countless visits to doctors and specialists with her parents, bank worker Roger and school accounts manager Amanda, both 52, all ended with the same message: the condition was incurable.

By the time Joanna went to secondary school, she was completely bald save for a few tufts.

It must have been agonising: adolescence is hard enough without the added burden of a physical condition that sets you apart. ‘I went to an all-girls school and I was very accepted, I was never bullied or teased,’ she says.

‘But I did feel self-conscious. I’d wear a hat to go the shops to try to stop people staring. It didn’t make me angry — I understood I looked different — but it wasn’t easy.

Inspirational: Joanna says she has about ten wigs and changes them according to her mood

‘I used to tell myself it was temporary, it would grow back, even though months, then years, went by and nothing changed. In some ways my way of dealing with it was not to deal with it, to pretend it was a phase.’ 

On reflection, she admits that she hid herself away. ‘I didn’t do all the normal teenage stuff. I didn’t bother with clothes or make-up because I didn’t want to focus on my appearance.

I threw myself into my studies. My teachers used to tell me I would burn out as I worked so hard. But, to me, working hard stopped me worrying about the future.’ 

Then there was the cycling: at 15, Joanna was scouted by the British Cycling talent team when they visited her school in Sutton, Surrey.

At the time she had little interest in cycling but, after clocking her incredibly fast time in a school trial, the scouts felt she had raw talent and she started to train.

‘It was nice to find something else I was good at, that I could focus on,’ she says. ‘I started to put all my energy into that, too.’

Then, at the age of 16, the thing she had longed for happened: her hair started to grow back. Within a few months it fell to below her ears. ‘I was thrilled,’ she says. ‘It came out of nowhere, and the only thing I could think of was that doing sport had helped. But it changed everything. It was so nice to leave the house and feel normal.’

Then, cruelly, it started to fall out again.

‘In the summer I had a full head of hair and by Christmas it was pretty much all gone,’ she says.

‘That was horrible. I’d had a glimpse of what life was like with hair, and now I had to go back. My heart would sink when I saw another clump coming out.

‘I went over and over something I might have done differently that had changed it, but, of course, there wasn’t anything.’

She went through that process again three years ago, when her hair again grew back in patches, although this time only for a month.

After the previous cycle of hope followed by disappointment, it must have been another crushing blow.

‘I felt differently this time,’ she says. ‘There was a sense of “I don’t want to go back to where I was”. That’s when I started to look into having a wig.’

It was something she’d avoided before, confessing today that on some level it scared her.

‘I can’t really explain it, but I just didn’t want to. Maybe doing it would mean properly confronting the fact that I had lost my hair. There is still part of me that is in the process of accepting it. It’s weird to think about being in my 50s and still in the same situation.’ 

Winning smile: Joanna has become a role model for girls with alopecia

This time, though, she was determined. She enlisted the help of a friend, and together they went to Selfridges in London for a wig trying-on session.

‘I wouldn’t have gone without her, but after I got over the fear I realised it could be liberating. That, suddenly, I could be in control and I could have hair whenever I wanted, look however I wanted.’

She emerged from the shop with two wigs: one dark brown and straight with a fringe for daytime, and a dark curly one for evenings.

‘I bought another one, a blonde bob,’ she says. ‘I loved it. It felt like a new me. I remember trying on all these different clothes and just really enjoying it. I felt more feminine. I couldn’t believe it had taken me so long.’ 

Interestingly though, not everyone felt the same.

‘I wouldn’t say some people were negative, but for close friends and family it was almost as if they had to get to know a new person and some of them found that weird.’

Among them was her boyfriend Dan, now 25, a fellow cyclist with whom she lives in Manchester.

The pair met through cycling when Joanna was 18 and were friends before they became a couple three years ago.

‘He had mixed feelings about the wigs, and still does,’ she says. ‘He doesn’t mind them, but, in all honesty, he prefers me without. To him, that’s the girl he fell in love with,’ she says. 

Today she has about ten wigs, all different, and she changes them according to her mood, although she currently gravitates towards a light brown one during the day. 

‘I don’t treat them very well,’ she laughs. ‘They’re not made of real hair, as that would require higher maintenance and need more care. My wigs get shoved in bags a lot. I don’t fuss over them.’ 

Her natural eyebrows and eyelashes, meanwhile, come and go. ‘At the moment I’ve got a few eyelashes on the bottom lid,’ she says. ‘I’ll wake up and think: “Oooh, some have appeared!” ’

She seems entirely without vanity, although looking after herself is part of her job. ‘I love the feeling when I’ve done a hard training session that I’ve really pushed my body.’

Standing on the podium was, unsurprisingly, her finest hour, although she confesses to some initial reluctance at the notion of becoming a sort of poster girl for alopecia after her appearance alongside team mates — and friends — Laura Trott and Dani King.

‘I suppose I didn’t want to be known as the girl with alopecia,’ she says. ‘There’s part of me that thinks: “I’m not ill, there’s nothing wrong with me.” Most of the time I don’t think about it.’

For all that, she has sent a powerful message about self-image. I tell her that one female commentator who has suffered from female pattern baldness and been dogged by insecurity wrote this week of how she wished there had been a Rowsell when she was growing up.

‘If I had been fortunate enough when I was younger to see a girl like Rowsell ride that race and then proudly accept her medal without her wig, I am sure I would have felt completely different about it all,’ she wrote.

Joanna is clearly moved. ‘That’s lovely,’ she says. ‘If I can make a difference to young girls with the same issue then that’s a responsibility. If they can look at me and think it’s not the end of the world and they can still do what they want to do, that’s pretty amazing.’

As, it must be said, is Joanna.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2187395/Olympic-heroine-Joanna-Rowsell-suffers-alopecia-refused-wear-wig-accept-gold-medal.html#ixzz23NhUUfKm