Sky Scholarship alumni Elise Christie named Sportswoman of the Year

Recent Sky Scholar Elise Christie was voted the 2017 Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year last night, after winning triple gold in speed skating at the World Championships in March.

Sky Sports Scholarship alumni and World Champion, Elise Christie, picked up the main accolade at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards, broadcast live on Sky Sports last night. Christie made history at the World Championships in Rotterdam, becoming the first woman outside of Asia to win a short-track title, winning three gold medals.

Christie was one of 12 young athletes on the second Sky Sports Scholarship programme which ran from September 2013 to June 2017. Through the scheme she received financial support, media training, Sky specific opportunities and was mentored by ex-England rugby union star, Will Greenwood. In her final year on the programme Elise made history by becoming the speed skating short-track triple World Champion.

Former Sky Sports Scholar and Sportswoman of the Year, Elise Christie, commented: I am delighted to have been named Sportswoman of the Year and being up against the other amazing athletes I really cant believe it! After the disappointment of Sochi I would never have thought this would be possible, but the help from the Sky Scholarship team and invaluable advice from Will [Greenwood] were huge factors in my success this year, and I was able to use my scholarship money to buy a Game Ready ice machine which is instrumental in my recovery between races, allowing me to win three gold medals and help with my preparation for Pyeongchang.

I am thrilled that a sport such as speed skating is being recognised at this level and winning this award will give me so much confidence going into the winter Olympics in February.

In addition to Elise Christie, the Sky Scholarship Scheme has also supported Olympic silver medallist Siobhan Marie OConnor (swimming), 2017 Para-World Champion Olivia Breen (T38 Long Jump) and professional boxer, Savannah Marshall who has recently signed with Mayweather Promotions.

The third Sky Sports Scholarship Programme launched earlier this year, opening its doors to athletes from a greater range of sports than ever before. Two current scholars were also nominated for The Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year - Freya Anderson after winning the swimming World Youth Championships and wheelchair racer Samantha Kinghorn who was also named Scottish Sportsperson of the Year following her double gold winning performance at the World Championships this summer.

Tony Lester, Head of the Sky Sports Scholarship Programme, commented: We are extremely proud of both our new and old scholars for being recognised at SWOTY this year. The Sky Scholarship scheme is a platform enabling young and talented athletes to achieve their goals and being nominated for these awards is a great step in their careers.

The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards formed part of an unrivalled schedule of womens sport on Sky Sports. Viewers can look forward to the best of UK netball with live coverage of all of Englands international games v Malawi, Quad Series and the Vitality Netball Superleague. Sky is also the home of international and domestic womens cricket and live womens golf from the LPGA tour with all five majors. Customers can also catch up with news and full analysis of womens sport each week on the UKs only dedicated womens sports show, Sportswomen.

For further information, please contact:

Sky Sports

Sky Sports PR

020 7032 1445

Sky Sports

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