Welsh sporting statues show 18 men but no women

This is not the first time the lack of statues of influential women has been raised.

Back in 2015, author Dr Jasmine Donahaye called for a national debate on why women are not represented as widely as men.

There are statues of Queen Victoria in Wrexham and Boudicca in Cardiff City Hall, but many argue not enough of women who have contributed to Welsh culture.

Chair of the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame, Phil Davies, said Jones is the latest in a line of “stand-out world class performers and great men” to be honoured.

But he added: “The time has come for some of the great Welsh sportswomen to be recognised in a similar fashion.

“It was great to see Steve Jones unveil his statue and so many inspirational Welsh sportsmen honoured in this way.

“But now is the time to start the conversation about adding some of our outstanding women to the list.

“The explosion in women’s sport this century means we have many more world and Olympic champions to consider from many different sports.

“Surely the time has come to honour the likes of Kirsty Wade, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Nicole Cooke and Jayne Ludlow from the past.

“That’s before we get on to the more modern day greats such as Jade Jones, Lauren Price, Elinor Barker, Hannah Mills, Emma Finucane and Jess Fishlock.”