Women Sport Australia applauds the positive decision by Formula One 1 to axe grid girls.

Women Sport Australia president Carol Fox said it shows strong leadership from a major sport to end an archaic practice that was out of step and out of date.

“WSA encourages other sports to follow suit and to scrap ring girls, walk-on girls and podium girls and to provide women with equal opportunity, equal pay and conditions to participate in and play their sport, not pose for their sport,” Fox said.

“Women in sport should be celebrated for being strong, skilled athletes, not for being a titillating sideline decoration to men playing sport.”

“The women’s sport revolution we are experiencing is producing great female athletes and role models.”

“They are creating a healthier, more engaged Australia by inspiring other women and girls to play sport, not pose on the sidelines for sport.”