Christine Ohuruogu was named the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year last night after becoming the first British woman to win two Athletics World Championships when she triumphed in Moscow this summer.
The 400m runner, Ohuruogu, came top of an extremely strong category, beating dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, skeleton bobsledder Shelley Rudman, triathlete Non Stanford and cricketer Heather Knight.
The awards are supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, UK Sport, Sport England and the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation.
The Young Sportswoman of the Year award went to Becky James for her achievements in cycling.
One of the Honorary Vice Presidents of the Sport and Recreation Alliance Dame Di Ellis was on the judging panel for this year’s awards.
Di said:
“It was extremely encouraging to see the number of talented women put forward for the awards, especially as we had a higher number of nominees than in previous years. It is a very good sign for women’s sport.
"I think women’s sport is on the up and the extremely high calibre of candidates for the awards this year is a sign of that.”
Di Ellis has been an important figure in women’s sport for many years, becoming the first female Executive Chairman of British Rowing in 1989 and serving on the boards of numerous sporting organisations, including the Alliance.
Di commented:
“The important message to be getting out to women is that fit is fabulous. We want to encourage youngsters into sport but it’s also important to encourage women of all ages – it is wonderful to see older women achieving great successes in sports such as rowing and equestrian.
"It’s not about a competition between women and men – it’s about encouraging women into sport and recreation for enjoyment. We mustn’t forget the word ‘fun’ when it comes to sport.
I hope we can also provide a message for schools – that school sport can’t just be about football for the boys, we need to encourage girls to enjoy sport at school.”
Read more Sport and Recreation Alliance news.
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