Kelly Hodgkinson has been named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2024

Kelly Hodgkinson has been named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2024.

Hodgkinson completed her rise to athletics stardom by winning 800m gold for Great Britain at last summer's Olympics in Paris.

In 2024, the 22-year-old also retained her European 800m title and became the sixth fastest woman of all time with a British record time of 54.61 seconds.

Dame Sarah Storey has won the Paralympic Athlete of the Year award after confirming her position as Britain's most successful Paralympian.

The 47-year-old claimed 18 and 19 gold medals in Paris to take her Paralympic medal total to 30 in nine appearances.

Team Great Britain diver Andrea Spendolini-Serix, who took bronze in the 10m synchronized diving alongside Louise Tolson in Paris, was named Young Athlete of the Year.

The British quad rowing team of Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw were voted Team of the Year, while the Helen Rollason Inspiration Award went to ultra-runner Jasmine Paris MBE, who became the first woman to complete the 100m. Mile Barkley Marathons in Tennessee in March 2024.

Cycling volunteer Val French, who has led more than 1,000 rides for women and girls as a British Cycling Champion, was voted Grassroots Athlete of the Year, while broadcaster Eleanor O'Leroyd won the Editor's Choice award.

These prestigious awards, in their 37th edition, have led the way in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contribution made by women to sport at all levels, from the elite to the grassroots and at the community level.

Ben Taylor, editor of The Sunday Times, said: “This year’s winners demonstrate the strength, resilience and determination that drives women’s sport forward.” “From elite athletes to community leaders, they have all made a lasting impact.

“Many of our winners have shone on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, creating unforgettable moments for fans. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and excited to see them continue to make history.”

The public nominated hundreds of female athletes in all categories, which were then narrowed down to a shortlist by an expert judging panel, which included some of the most prominent names in women's sports management and broadcasting.

Once the shortlist was determined, the public voted for the winners in three categories: Grassroots, Changemaker and Team of the Year.

The elite categories (Athlete of the Year, Disability Sportswoman of the Year and Young Athlete of the Year) were decided by a group of judges, including Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Denise Lewis and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, and Paralympic wheelchair racer Baroness Tani Gray. – Thompson and Rugby World Cup-winning England captain Maggie Alphonsi.

In addition, for the first time this year, the judging panel included male judges who were passionate supporters of women's sports and their champions, such as English cricketer Stuart Broad and promoter Eddie Hearn.