The 30-year-old from Leeds, who made history at London 2012 when she was the first woman to ever win an Olympic gold medal in boxing when she triumphed in the flyweight division, came top of The Independent on Sunday's Pink List, published today. 

The newspaper said of Adams, who is bisexual, that she "is modest, hard-working and friendly.

"Everything, in short, that you would hope from a sporting hero".

Adams welcomed her inclusion at the top of the list, which was nominated by the newspaper's readers and finalised by a panel of judges. 

"It's amazing to be on the list of such inspiring and influential people," she said.

"2012 continues to be a great year for me so thanks to everyone for their continued support."

Figures associated with London 2012 dominated the top five.

Adams finished ahead of Clare Balding, the television presenter who worked for the BBC during the Olympics and Channel 4 at the Paralympics.

Dressage rider Lee Pearson was voted fourth on Britain's Pink List

Dressage rider Lee Pearson, who won a gold, silver and bronze medal during the Paralympics, was fourth. 

Another rider Carl Hester, the only member of Great Britain's Olympic squad to be openly gay at the time of the Games who won a gold medal as part of the winning dressage squad, was in fifth position.

The only non-London 2012 figure in the top five was human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell in third. 

Other leading names included in the list are BBC presenter Evan David, comedian Alan Carr, musician Jesse J, leading politician Chris Bryant and television presenter Gok Wan. 

To see the full list click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]