The 2021 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards kicks off the nationwide call for public nominations this Sunday (12th September).

The prestigious awards, now in their 34th year, have led the way in recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution made to sport by women at all levels, from elite to grassroots.

For the next two weeks, the British public is invited to submit nominations for the seven categories at www.sportswomenoftheyear.co.uk Nominations are open until 11:59pm 27th September.

1. The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2021
The ultimate accolade for your favourite sportswoman of this year

2. Young Sportswoman of the Year
Nominees must have been 21 years old or younger on January 1, 2021

3. Disability Sportswoman of the Year
The outstanding performer in a disability sport

4. Team of the Year
Celebrating the achievements of Britain’s successful collective efforts

5. Changemaker Award
Celebrating those who have inspired others and used their platforms to create change

5. Grassroots Award
For individuals who have actively engaged with different groups of people within their community through sport

6. The Helen Rollason Award for inspiration
Recognising inspirational endeavour in honour of the late sports presenter Helen Rollason

Rebecca Myers, Sunday Times sports journalist said;

“After a challenging year, women’s sport has bounced back with a vengeance in 2021, amazing performances at Wimbledon, the Olympics, Paralympics, the Women’s Super League, and more. There is more for these awards to celebrate than ever.

The SWOTY awards recognise the immense strength and iron determination of successful women in sport from those at the top of their professional careers, to those encouraging others to try something new at the weekend. We are also delighted to introduce the ‘Changemaker Award’ which will honour those that use their influence and platform to inspire and motivate others.”

The online nomination process closes at 11:59pm on Monday September 27.

A panel of experts will then select the respective shortlists. This year’s judging panel includes household names Gabby Logan (BBC sports presenter), Chemmy Alcott (former World Cup alpine ski racer), Ama Agbeze (former England netball captain and Commonwealth Games gold medallist), Rebecca Adlington OBE (World and Olympic champion swimmer), Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE (former England and GB hockey captain and Olympic gold medallist), Natalie Sawyer (co-host of talkSPORT Weekend Sports Breakfast show), Chrissie Wellington OBE (four-time Ironman triathlon world champion), Tanni Grey-Thompson OBE (Paralympics and world champion wheelchair racer), Ellie Simmonds OBE (paralympic and world champion swimmer), Laura Woods (talkSPORT and Sky sports presenter), Helen Glover MBE (Olympic and world champion rower)

The shortlist will be announced and voting will open on Sunday 17th October, with the public able to vote for their winners until Wednesday 17th November.

The winners will be revealed at a live-streamed awards ceremony on Thursday 25th November.

Previous winners of the main award, the coveted Sportswoman of the Year accolade, include Dina Asher-Smith, Elise Christie, Sally Gunnell, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Denise Lewis, Dame Kelly Holmes, Zara Phillips, Victoria Pendleton and Christine Ohuruogu. Hollie Doyle, the British jockey who competes in flat racing was crowned the 2021 Sportswoman of the Year last November

The Sportswomen of the Year Awards are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar and are supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, UK Sport, Sport England and Women in Sport.

Follow the latest news and get involved by following #SWOTY in the lead up to the Awards