- Lauren James won the Rising Star award as voted for by the public
- Chelsea Women FC awarded the Team of the Year prize
- Paula Dunn MBE received the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her contribution to UK Paralympics
Emma Raducanu has been named BT Sport Action Woman of the Year to cap off what has been a truly 
unforgettable 12 months for the 19-year-old from Kent.
The British tennis sensation burst onto the scene in 2021 by making the fourth round at Wimbledon as a wildcard before taking home the US Open trophy in spectacular fashion without dropping a set at Flushing Meadows, becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era.
Emma fought off competition from five other inspiring nominees, including Laura Kenny (cycling), Emily Campbell (weightlifting), Rachael Blackmore (horse racing), Dame Sarah Storey (para-cycling), and Kadeena Cox (para-athletics), to win the public vote and round off what has been yet another groundbreaking year for women’s sport.
Emma was presented the award by Kate Richardson-Walsh at the eighth annual awards show hosted by Clare Balding in front of a star-studded audience to celebrate this year’s standout performances by British and Irish female athletes.
In addition, footballer Lauren James won the Rising Star award as voted for by the public after making history as Manchester United’s first-ever goal-scorer in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and finishing as their top scorer in the 2019/20 season with six goals in 12 appearances. James has since gone on to earn her first England call-up and a move to WSL Champions Chelsea.
Chelsea Women FC were named the Team of the Year to mark what has been a prolific season for Emma Hayes’ side which saw the Blues win the FA Cup Final, secure back-to-back WSL titles, the Continental League Cup, Community Shield and reach their first-ever Champions League final.
Paula Dunn MBE received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her pioneering contribution to UK Paralympics. The former Olympic sprinter was appointed the first female head coach at British Athletics after London 2012 and has since overseen one of the most successful periods in history for Para athletics in Britain.
BT Sport presenter Clare Balding said: “2021 has been another great year for women’s sport, for both teams and individuals. Those nominated tonight, as well as thousands of others across the UK and Ireland, embody the talent, determination and resilience that is helping sport grow year on year. This is why BT Sport is incredibly proud to celebrate the success of these phenomenal athletes with the Action Woman Awards, and hopefully play our part in inspiring the next generation of superstars.”
With thanks to BT Sport via Pitch
