It’s been a fantastic summer for sport in Britain, with more events going on than ever before. Has all this talk of football, tennis and athletics made you want to get a bit fitter or take up a new activity? And if so, what’s your sport of choice? To get you inspired, we asked four real women in our publications team to share their favourite sports and tell us about their must-have pieces of kit.

The basketball buff: Aleasha Kimber

“I first started playing basketball in primary school. Playing against my older brother and his friends got me into the game – and toughened me up! I played all through high school and university, competing at regional level in my home country of New Zealand, and taking on Australia as part of the national youth squad. After a break from the game, I’ve recently taken it up again at a women’s club in northwest London. I’m really enjoying meeting new people and getting fitter in the process. My ideal piece of kit is a breathable vest to keep me cool during two hours of training.”

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The super swimmer: Ann Hartland

“I learned to swim when I was four and have been taking part in competitions since I was eight. My life has always involved swimming – sometimes I’ll be there at 5am, sometimes I’m still in the pool at 10pm. Some of my closest friends now are swimmers I met at my club. I still swim competitively and earlier in the summer I took part in the World Masters Championships in Italy. Swimming relaxes me mentally – it’s a great way to wind-down from work. It’s no surprise that I own plenty of sporty swimming costumes - I keep one in my bag at all times. You never know when you’ll find some water to splash around in!”

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The tennis lover: Natasha Billy

“I got back into tennis about four years ago – I wanted to get fit again but have never been a fan of the gym, as I get bored of the same routines too quickly. My husband got me into it, but we ended up playing in different training groups. I now play both doubles and singles tennis. It’s a great social activity and I love the fact that I’m exercising at the same time. I feel great at the end of a match or training session, and enjoy being in the great outdoors as well. So far my biggest sporting achievement has been winning the tennis tournament at an office family fun day! My must-have is always a comfy hoodie with pockets to keep a spare ball in.”

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The riding fan: Kristi Lane

“I have been riding off and on since I was 10. In my 30s I started again in earnest and bought my first horse. Jasper is my third so far – he’s an Irish Draught x Thoroughbred cross and the apple of my eye! We compete regularly in dressage competitions – at the lowest level possible but we have a lot of fun and it keeps us both fit. Apart from my specialist riding gear, my essential bit of kit is a well-fitted, supportive high-impact sports bra. Riding is very hot and active work, so breathability and comfort are very important. The outstanding success of the British dressage team this year has definitely got me feeling competitive.”

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Want to get more active? Offering high-performance fabrics at a down-to-earth price, our latest sportswear for women at M&S has everything you need to get fit, from tracksuits and joggers to dance and yoga kit.

Have you already discovered your perfect sport – or are you feeling inspired to take up something new? And what item of sports kit wouldn’t you be without? Leave us a comment below…