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OFFICIAL PARTNER

SUPPORTING & CATEGORY PARTNERS 2023

TOP 10 - SPORTS PERSONALITIES

Nicola Adams MBE

Nicola Adams OBE is a British retired professional boxer and double Olympic Gold medallist. She made history by becoming the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title in 2012 and successfully defended her title in 2016. Nicola’s achievements have played a crucial role in popularising women’s boxing and breaking down gender barriers in sports. Her dedication to the sport and her pioneering spirit have inspired a new generation of female athletes and have contributed to the growth of women’s boxing on a global scale. She was appointed MBE in 2013 and OBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to boxing.

 

Eniola Aluko

Eni Aluko MBE is a retired British-Nigerian footballer and sports broadcaster. Eni enjoyed a successful career, winning multiple FA Cup and Women’s Super League titles with Chelsea, before turning out in the United States of America and Italy while winning over 100 caps for England, scoring 33 goals. She has gone on to forge a career in sports broadcasting, working with the BBC, BT Sport and Sky. She hosted the inaugural Women’s Football Awards alongside Jamie Carragher in 2023. The former Lioness was awarded an MBE in King Charles’ first Birthday Honours list for her services to football and charity.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is an English professional footballer who has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool. He is heavily involved with charities such as Football for Change and An Hour For Others and, earlier in 2023, launched his own initiative, The After Academy, which provides career opportunities for former academy players who wish to forge a new career path outside of professional football. Alongside Liverpool, Trent created TAA Football, which creates further opportunities for young children in grassroots football.

 

Alice Dearing

Alice Dearing is a British long-distance swimmer and advocate for diversity in swimming. She made history by becoming the first black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming at the Olympics, competing in the marathon swim at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In 2020, Alice co-founded the Black Swimming Association, a non-profit organisation set up to diversify the world of aquatics through education, advocacy, support and research. With support from Swim England, the BSA encourages swimming among BAME communities in Britain.

 

Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE

Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE is a British racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest in Formula One history. He has won seven World Drivers’ Championships and remains a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsports, using his platform to raise awareness about social and environmental issues. Lewis has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and donated an estimated £20 million to charitable causes in 2022. In 2021, he launched the Mission 44 foundation, a programme designed to bring more people from ethnically diverse backgrounds into motorsport. Lewis was awarded an MBE in 2008, followed by a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2021.

Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE is a British athletics legend. She achieved global acclaim as a heptathlete at the 2012 London Olympics, where she won Gold, captivating hearts with her determination. Her illustrious career includes multiple World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games titles. After retiring from athletics in 2016, Jessica continued to inspire as a sports ambassador and commentator. Her commitment to encouraging young athletes led her to launch the Ennis-Hill Academy, nurturing emerging talents. She was awarded a CBE in 2013 and made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2016.

 

Kelly Holmes DBE

Dame Kelly Holmes is a British retired middle-distance athlete who achieved remarkable success on the track. She won double Gold in the 800 metres and 1500 metres at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Her determination, resilience and incredible performances captivated audiences and earned her widespread acclaim. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005 for services to sport. Following her retirement, she has been active in charitable work and founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, which supports young people facing challenges through sports and mentoring programs. She was inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

 

Lauren James

England footballer Lauren James burst onto the scene at Manchester United Women and in 2021 secured a high-profile move to Chelsea Women, where she flourished, clinching the FA Women’s Super League title. Her rapid rise earned her a call-up to the England Women’s team for the 2023 World Cup. She was named Young Player of the Season at the inaugural Women’s Football Awards in 2023 for her performances in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign.

 

Denise Lewis DBE

Dame Denise Lewis DBE is a British retired track and field athlete and Olympic gold medallist. She won Gold in the heptathlon at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and European Championships before winning Gold again at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. After retiring, Denise transitioned into sports broadcasting and continues to be involved in promoting sports and physical activity. Her impact on the track and her contributions to sports media have solidified her legacy as a prominent figure in British sports history. She was appointed an MBE in 1999, gained an OBE in 2001 and was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to sport.

 

Nikkita Parris

Nikita Parris is a professional footballer from England. Starting her career at Everton, Nikita quickly earned a move to Manchester City in 2015, where she gained the Women’s Super League title and had two FA Women’s Cup triumphs. In 2019, she was signed by French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais. Her time in France proved equally fruitful, as she secured a Division 1 Féminine title and helped her team clinch the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. Internationally, Nikita has been a stalwart for the England national team, and was part of the squad that won the European Championship title in 2022.