WALES' leading sportswomen have rarely shied away from reaping the glory of the international sporting spotlight, and the Vale of Glamorgan can boast three outstanding role models.

Famous names are plentiful, and the successes of our sportswomen span the tracks and fields of the four corners of the globe.

As the world celebrated International Women's Day on March 8, the Sports Council for Wales paid tribute to our leading female sportswomen, from the illustrious legends to our current heroes and rising stars.

When the words'women','sports' and'legend' are uttered in the same sentence, former St Cyres pupil Tanni Grey-Thompson's ears begin to burn.

The 35-year-old star has now even been canonised in the World Sport Academy, alongside luminaries like Pel and Michael Jordan, and our monarchy bestowed on her the title of Dame in 2004.

Among the current crop of Welsh sporting aces is the Vale's Nicole Cooke - our cycling superstar. The Wick prodigy has been winning consistently since taking up racing at 11 years of age.

Now, 21 years of age, she boasts a Commonwealth gold, four Junior World titles and the prestigious Giro D'Italia title - the women's equivalent of the Tour de France.

She made her Olympic debut in Athens in 2004, and now rides professionally for an Italian team - impressing the elite as she goes.

Hannah Mills is the 17-year-old flourishing yachtswoman from Dinas Powys who has been awarded UK Young Sailor of the Year, and BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year. She has recently represented Great Britain in the Euro-pean Championships - coming first in her age group.