Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christiansen has been shortlisted for the BT Action Woman Awards.
The para dressage rider, who won 3 golds last summer, is one of 10 athletes nominated for the award. Each of the contenders has the backing of one high-profile super fan.
Sophie’s advocate is chairman of the British Olympic Association Lord Sebastian Coe.
After her success at the London Games Sophie was the most successful rider at the FEI European Para dressage Championships in Herning, Denmark this summer (21-25 August) — winning 3 golds.
“Watching Sophie win her triple gold medals at Greenwich Park, with the crowd supporting her all the way, is one of the enduring images of the London 2012 Games,” said Lord Coe.
“It comes as absolutely no surprise that Sophie repeated her success in the Europeans this year, despite the pressure of going into to it as a favourite.
“What she has done to expand understanding and raise awareness of dressage, Paralympic sport and the power of individual determination cannot be over-stated.
“I wish her all the best for the competition.”
As well as her equestrian success Sophie has also been invited to join the British Paralympic Association’s (BPA) first ever athletes’ commission and spoke at the Labour party conference.
The award will be decided by the public who can vote via the BT Sport website. Voting will close on 19 January and the winner will be announced on the Clare Balding Show on 25 January.
Other nominees on the short list are:
· Christine Ohuruogu supported by Boris Johnson
· Rachel Atherton supported by Victoria Pendleton
· Laura Robson supported by Judy Murray
· Katie Summerhayes supported by Lawrence Dallaglio
· Heather Knight supported by Mike Gatting
· Non Stanford supported by the Brownlee brothers
· Charlie Hull supported by Sir Steve Redgrave
· Natasha Dowie supported by Michael Owen
· Ellie Simmonds supported by Sir Ben Ainslie
