Olympic winner tops Independent's Pink List 2012

Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams tops this year's Pink List. More than 1,500 people voted for the influential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who make Britain safer, fairer, better and more entertaining. More than 250 nominees' names were run past the panel of judges: two magazine editors, a teacher and LGBT schools adviser, a film maker, a charity CEO, and the Chief Executive of Stonewall. They wrestled with the knotty question of who was most influential in 2012. Not surprisingly, sports people are high on the list. 1 (new entry) Nicola Adams Olympian Nicola Adams punched her way into the history books this year, becoming the first woman ever to win an Olympic medal in boxing. Since the 30-year-old flyweight from Leeds floored China's Ren Cancan to win the gold she has become an inspiring role model for young people in Britain and around the world. Rarely seen without the smile that is now emblazoned on billboards and buses around the country, Adams is modest, hard-working and friendly. Everything, in short, that you would hope from a sporting hero. Adams, who is bisexual, persevered with the sport for more than a decade when representing her country — let alone getting an Olympic medal — was not an option for girls. This year, her talent and charm have won over many of the chauvinists who queued up before the Games to say that putting a woman in the ring was "unnatural". "It's amazing to be on top of a list of such inspiring and influential people," Adams said. "Thanks to everyone for their continued support." 2 (4) Clare Balding Presenter and author Ordinarily, being queen of the Olympics, a best-selling memoirist, champion of women's sport and darling of Twitter would be enough for a number-one slot. We love her, and her partner, Alice Arnold. We hope she'll be chuffed to come second to a London 2012 gold medallist. 3 (re-entry) Peter Tatchell Legend Last year the Pink List committed the unforgivable error of forgetting the veteran campaigner. He forgave us with typical good grace. Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, he has tackled neo-Nazis, President Mugabe and the British parliament. Indefatigable, brave and unforgettable. 4 (new entry) Lee Pearson Paralympic equestrian He told The IoS that he prepared for the Paralympic Games with curry, Malibu and Coke, but that didn't stop Pearson from taking home his 10th gold medal from four summer Olympics. At London 2012, the MBE also added a bronze and a silver to his trophy cabinet. 5 (new entry) Carl HesterOlympic equestrian One of the most established dressage riders in the country, Carl Hester worked with Charlotte Dujardin and Laura Bechtolsheimer to win Britain's first Olympic dressage gold in the team event. He also made history as the only Team GB Olympian to be "out" at the time of the Games. 6 (judge) Greg Barker Climate-change minister Conservative MP who is defending the interests of the green movement inside DECC against anti-wind farms minister John Hayes. Barker is also chairman of the 2020 group of Tory MPs, who want David Cameron to return to the progressive centre and stand up to the Conservative right. 7 (10) Heather Peace Actress The actress and musician acquired a cult following after appearing in the BBC drama Lip Service as a lesbian police officer. She received more public nominations than anyone else on this list. Her first album, Fairytales, was released in May and she is now filming Waterloo Road. 8 (new entry) Nick Grimshaw Radio DJ The exceptionally likeable presenter officially became the biggest deal in radio when he took over the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show in September. That the newly-out Mancunian replaced former Stonewall Bully of the Year Chris Moyles makes his ascent all the sweeter. 9 (re-entry) David Laws Cabinet office minister Reinstated to Government in September after being forced to resign over his expenses in 2010, Laws, whose responsibilities include schools policy, attends Cabinet and is close to both Michael Gove and Nick Clegg — making him a key influence on the coalition. 10 (new entry) Luke Anderson Winner, Big Brother 13 Anderson rose to prominence as a hugely popular winner of Channel 5's Big Brother 13. While in the house, Anderson revealed he had been born a woman and hoped that his appearance on the show "will help to show trans guys that you can lead a normal life". Read the full 101 most influential LGBT figures in Britain.