Winners announced for The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2016 in association with Vitality
The winners of The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2016 in association with Vitality have been announced at a star-studded ceremony at the News UK headquarters in London Bridge.
The prestigious awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate the outstanding contribution to sport made by elite performers, coaches, administrators, community volunteers and inspirational female figures.
Hosted by respected TV broadcaster Jill Douglas, the awards were attended by the London 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, four-time Olympic gold medallist Laura Kenny, tennis stars Judy Murray and Johanna Konta, rowing legend Katherine Grainger and members of Britain’s Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team.

Eleanor Mills, Editorial Director, The Sunday Times said:
“We are delighted to honour the outstanding sportswomen of the UK and Ireland in our annual sportswomen awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our female athletes, and those who work tirelessly to promote women’s sport in their communities. Congratulations to our winners and all of the nominees.”

Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, said:
“Many congratulations to all the winners from tonight’s event. Our ambition is to continue raising the profile of women in sport in the UK, it’s therefore a privilege to be involved in these awards. We believe it’s incredibly important that women have role models from the world of sport. So we hope that through our close association with inspirational female athletes we can encourage women of all ages and abilities to start getting active and make positive lifestyle changes.”

The 2016 award winners:

THE 2016 SUNDAY TIMES SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
The ultimate accolade for your favourite Sportswoman of 2016

Winner: Laura Kenny

VITALITY TEAM OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the achievements of Britain’s successful collective efforts

Winner: Britain’s hockey squad

OLYMPIAN OF THE YEAR
The outstanding performance from the Rio Olympic Games

Winners: Helen Glover & Heather Stanning

PARALYMPIAN OF THE YEAR
The outstanding performance from the Rio Paralympic Games

Winner: Kadeena Cox

YOUNG SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Nominees must have been 21 or younger on January 1, 2016

Winner: Siobhan-Marie O’Connor

THE HELEN ROLLASON AWARD FOR INSPIRATION

Winner: Hannah Francis

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Winner: Professor Celia Brackenridge

COMMUNITY AWARD
For individuals who have actively engaged with different groups of people within their community through sport - voted for by the public

Winner: Kirsty Cameron (founder, Ladies Leisurely Cycles Facebook group)