Every year, the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of female athletes from a wide range of sports, celebrating excellence, resilience, and inspiration. The awards not only honour elite performers competing at the highest levels, but also recognise rising stars, grassroots heroes, and athletes who make a positive impact in their communities. Nominees for The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year represent some of the most successful, dedicated, and groundbreaking women in sport today. Their inclusion highlights the growing prominence of women’s athletics and the increasing public appreciation for sporting achievements across disciplines.
History and Purpose of the Awards
The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards were established to recognise outstanding female sporting performance and contribution. Over the decades, this accolade has celebrated some of the greatest names in British and international sport, from Olympic champions to world record holders. Past winners include celebrated athletes such as Eilish McColgan, Emma Raducanu, and Keely Hodgkinson, showcasing diverse talent across athletics, tennis, and more. The award aims not only to honour excellence but also to inspire future generations of female athletes by providing role models who exemplify determination, skill, and achievement in sport.
Categories and Nomination Process
The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards typically feature multiple categories, each recognising different types of achievement and contribution to sport. Categories often include
- Sportswoman of the Year – recognising the top female athlete of the year.
- Young Sportswoman of the Year – celebrating emerging talent and breakthrough performances.
- Disability Sportswoman of the Year – highlighting achievements in para sport.
- Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year – honouring community-level involvement and leadership.
- Team of the Year – acknowledging outstanding collective performance by a women’s team.
- Inspiration or Special Recognition awards – celebrating exceptional stories and impact.
Nominees are usually selected by a panel of judges with expertise in women’s sport, including former elite athletes, coaches, and sports administrators. Public nominations may also be invited, helping to identify standout performers across the sporting world. Winners are often chosen through a combination of expert panel decisions and public votes, depending on the specific category.
Recent Nominees and Winners
The most recent Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards showcased an impressive list of nominees in 2024 and 2025, with athletes excelling at major international competitions like the Olympic Games and world championships. The winners and shortlisted nominees represent excellence across track and field, swimming, diving, and other sports. For example, in the 2024 awards, Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson won the Sportswoman of the Year title after her exceptional season, which included gold at the Paris Olympics and continued dominance on the track.
2024 Nominees and Winners
At the 2024 Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards, a diverse group of athletes were recognised for their outstanding performances
- Keely Hodgkinson – Sportswoman of the Year for her achievements in athletics.
- Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix – Young Sportswoman of the Year following her success in diving.
- Dame Sarah Storey – Citi Disability Sportswoman of the Year for her remarkable Paralympic career.
- Jasmin Paris MBE – Winner of the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration.
- Val French – Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year for her contributions to cycling participation.
- Switzerland Tourism Team of the Year – Great Britain’s Quadruple Sculls team.
- Eleanor Olyroyd – Editor’s Choice Award recognising her contribution to sports media.
2025 Shortlist Highlights
In the 2025 awards, the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year nominees included standout performers from a range of sports, reflecting a strong year for women in sport. The shortlist brought together elite athletes from England’s successful football and rugby teams, athletics stars, and individuals breaking through on the global stage. Highlights from the 2025 shortlist included
- Chloe Kelly – celebrated for her key role in the Lionesses’ success.
- Hannah Hampton – England goalkeeper recognised for multiple honours.
- Ellie Kildunne – Rugby World Cup winner and nominee.
- Amy Hunt – Athletics medal winner at world-level competitions.
- Michelle Agyemang – Footballer recognised for breakthrough performances.
- Lottie Woad – Young sports nominee from golf.
- Beau Greaves – Darts player nominated for Young Sportswoman.
Importance of Diverse Representation
One of the strengths of the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards is the attention given to diversity and inclusivity. Nominees come from a range of sporting disciplines, backgrounds, ages, and stages of their careers. This diversity not only enriches the awards but also demonstrates the wide-reaching impact of women’s sport. From team sports like football and rugby to individual pursuits in athletics, diving, golf, and darts, the inclusion of different sports elevates public awareness and appreciation for female athletes across the sporting spectrum.
Impact on Women’s Sport
The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards play a significant role in promoting women’s sport and encouraging greater visibility for female athletes. By celebrating achievements across elite performance, community engagement, and inspirational stories, the awards help challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality in sporting culture. Recognition from such a prestigious platform can amplify an athlete’s profile, leading to increased sponsorship, media coverage, and opportunities to inspire future generations. The awards also highlight how women’s sport continues to grow, drawing larger audiences and fostering greater participation at all levels.
Stories of Inspiration and Resilience
Many nominees and winners of the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards have compelling stories of resilience, overcoming adversity, and pushing boundaries in their respective sports. Some athletes have battled injuries, personal challenges, or historic underrepresentation to achieve their goals and reach the top of their fields. Sharing these stories contributes to a broader cultural understanding of the dedication and strength required to excel in sport. Fans and aspiring athletes often look to these nominees as role models, drawing motivation from their achievements both on and off the field.
The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards celebrate excellence, diversity, and impact in women’s sport. Each year, a remarkable group of nominees from elite athletes to grassroots heroes are recognised for their achievements, inspiring stories, and contributions to the sporting community. Whether it’s Olympic champions like Keely Hodgkinson, breakthrough stars like Beau Greaves, or teams that have captured the public’s imagination, the awards highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of women’s athletics. As the spotlight continues to shine on these incredible sportswomen, the broader influence of their achievements extends beyond competition, encouraging participation, recognition, and equality in sports everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards honour female athletes across multiple categories each year.
- Recent winners include Keely Hodgkinson, Sarah Storey, and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix.
- Nominees represent a wide range of sports, from athletics to football and golf.
- The awards celebrate diversity, resilience, and impact in women’s sport.
- Recognition from the awards helps promote women’s sport and inspire future generations.