Tuesday 8th March marks International Women’s Day and the Isle of Man TT Races is proud to have so many female legends that play an integral part. Of course, we must thank the history makers like Beryl Swain, who paved the way for female riders like Maria Costello and Jenny Tinmouth. But, the female legends of the TT go further than the riders, we’re proud to have so many women across all aspects of the Isle of Man TT Races such as teams, marshals, medics, mechanics, race control and many more.. Plus as we move into a new digital era for the TT, and continue to make history with the first live broadcast to air in 2022 via TT+, you’ll notice some strong female voices coming through our broadcast team as we’re joined by presenters, Amy Williams (Bobsled Olympian) and Jennie Gow, radio commentator, Beth Espey, and pundits, Mario Costello and Jenny Tinmouth, for expert insight.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, this week we feature some of these fearless females.
For some TT fans, Beryl Swain is simply a bit of trivia, the answer to the question: who was the first woman to race solo in a TT? Her story – and her name – is not one that is not at the forefront of TT’s history books. But Beryl’s story is one that is remarkable, and shows character, grit and determination.
One is a history maker, famed for being the only female to tackle the Isle of Man TT on two wheels and three…the other has won countless races and championships on classic machinery and had all but retired. Yet a chance meeting at Donington Park in 2020 was all it took to bring Maria Costello and Vicky Cooke together, setting the wheels in motion for a brand new, all-girl racing team with its focus on the TT 2022.
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