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Great Innings for IOM Cricket
All hosts remain unslapped by nominees
The equivalent of the Oscars for Manx sport took place last night (28 Feb). None of the nominated athletes got up and slapped the host Will Smith-style. I was disappointed too. Not for the lack of physical harm of another person. Just the lack of drama. But what the night lacked in slaps, it made up for in athletes punching above their weight. And with that mediocre Segway, allow me to introduce to you your IOM Sport Awards champions.
Elite cyclist Lizzie Holden and rugby union star Bevan Rodd took home the top prizes of the night of Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year.
Holden earned herself the accolade after being crowned Elite Women’s British National Time Trial champion in 2023. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Rodd scored himself the award after helping England to claim third-place at the Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
Elsewhere, IOM Cricket cleaned up like an enthusiastic Supermarket Sweep contestant, leaving the night with three awards under its starched white belt.
The national Women’s cricket squad claimed Team of the Year following multiple successful performances in 2023. They also took away Coach of the Year and The Leonie Cooil Courage & Inspiration Award, both of which were won by the indefatigable Sally Green.
A couple of athletes made it back-to-back title wins.
England Under-21’s hockey player Sienna Dunn reclaimed Under-21 Sportswoman of the Year and long-distance athlete Sarah Webster showed her endurance by managing to keep hold of her title of Veteran Sportsperson of the Year.
Special Olympics Isle of Man was also recognised for its countless sporting achievements with Duncan Watterson taking home the Disability Sportsperson of the Year title.
Even without the slapping, it was a memorable night of celebration highlighting the incredible calibre of sportspeople our small island is producing. At least I’m assuming it was. I wasn’t there. I was at home eating a Family Bucket from KFC being unathletic.
A full list of this year’s winners can be found below.
Sportsman of the Year: Bevan Rodd (Rugby Union)
Sportswoman of the Year: Lizzie Holden (Cycling)
Under-21 Sportsman of the Year: Corrin Leeming (Athletics)
Under-21 Sportswoman of the Year: Sienna Dunn (Hockey)
Ambassador of the Year: Mark Cavendish (Cycling)
Team of the Year: Isle of Man Women’s Cricket
Coach of the Year: Sally Green (Cricket)
Disability Sportsperson of the Year: Duncan Watterson (Special Olympics)
Veteran Sportsperson of the Year: Sarah Webster (Athletics)
Sports Administrator of the Year: Joy Gough (Archery)
Sports Leader of the Year: Ellie Johnson
Lifetime Achievement – George Peach (Motorsport)
Sporting Achievement of the Year – Lorna Gleave (Athletics)
The Leonie Cooil Courage & Inspiration Award – Sally Green (Cricket)
