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Chrissie Wellington named sportswoman of the year

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Lee Taylor 04 November 2009

Chrissie Wellington, the current world record-holder and Ironman Triathlon champion, was named yesterday as the Sportswoman of the Year for 2009 at the 22nd Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards ceremony, an event sponsored by UK Sport.

In front of an audience of more than 250 guests at the David Beckham Academy in south-east London, the 32-year-old claimed the award following a four-week Times Online public vote, which saw World Champion Heptathlete Jessica Ennis come second with cyclist Victoria Pendleton in third.

Meanwhile England cricketer, Holly Colvin, picked up the UK Sport Young Sportswoman of the Year, ahead of swimmer Fran Halsall and cyclist Lizzie Armitstead.

There were also honours for Sarah Storey, who won the Disabled Sportswoman of the Year award, as well as the England’s women’s cricketers who picked up the team of the year prize.

The Awards are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar. As well as celebrating high-profile athletes – previous winners include Paula Radcliffe, Pippa Funnell, Kelly Holmes and Zara Phillips – the event recognises women at all levels of British sporting life including administrators working tirelessly behind the scenes, and those coaches, community club volunteers and PE teachers nurturing future talent.

Amanda Bennett, Head of Policy at UK Sport, who was a member of the judging panel, said: "I would like to congratulate all of our winners today. It is fantastic that we are able to celebrate the achievements of women in sport through this ceremony and a great opportunity to showcase the achievements not just of those winning the medals but also those behind the scenes as well."

John Witherow, the Editor of The Sunday Times, said: “These awards always go well when we have something to shout about and the achievements of our sportswomen this year mean that we are justified in making a great deal of noise.”

Full list of winners at the 2009 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards, in association with Brittany Ferries

Team of the Year: England’s women cricket team

CCPR Lifetime Achievement Award: Rachael Heyhoe-Flint

Sport England Community Club Volunteer Award: Cathy Rooney

WSFF Sponsorship of the Year: McDonald’s ‘Mums On The Ball’ campaign

Disabled Sportswoman of the Year: Sarah Storey

Sports Businesswoman Award: Karen Earl

UK Sport Young Sportswoman of the Year: Holly Colvin

The Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration: Dee Caffari

PE Teacher of the Year Award: Caroline Sidell (South Bromsgrove High, Worcestershire)

Sports Leader of the Year: Hope Powell

The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2009: Chrissie Wellington

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