I created my body for my sport... I'm very proud to be plus size

Weightlifting star Emily tackles criticism faced by women athletes

- SANJEETA BAINS

EMILY Campbell is hoping to land a historic gold in weightlifting this weekend in Paris but she is also focused on raising the heavy issue of sexism in sport.

The 30-year-old athlete won Britain's first Olympic women's weightlifting medal four years ago in Tokyo and now has her sights raised on going one better.

But the plus-sized athlete is also keen to address how sportswomen are still judged by their looks - as she called out sports brands who have asked her to endorse them even though they do not stock her size.

Speaking of the criticism levelled at women athletes, she says: "It's all, "Why did she have that lipstick on while she performed?', 'Why is her hair like that?'. Or, you know, 'What outfit are you wearing today?'

"Well, if you said that to Roger Federer, he would tell you to f*** off.

Nottingham-born Emily had to put weight on to compete in the 81+kg category but embraces that decision.

"I'm very proud to be a plus-size female," she says. "I had to create this body to do my sport most effectively.