On Monday 3 December, a select group of girls from GDST schools were invited to attend one of the premier events in women’s sport – the BT Sports Action Women Awards. In an event that recognises excellence and celebrates inspiring females, it was very fitting that Northampton High pupil, Ellie Robinson, was invited to attend the prestigious ceremony.
Ellie, accompanied by Mrs Hackett, Director of Sport, was one of seven GDST students invited to attend the awards as recognition of their sporting achievement over the past calendar year. Ellie added Commonwealth Gold to her impressive trophy cabinet earlier in the year, another outstanding achievement in the young career of the Paralympic Gold medallist.
Ellie and her peers were invited to a personal reception at the BT studios, based at the Olympic Park, ahead of the start of the event, and had the opportunity to talk to and seek advice from their heroes, including two time Olympic Gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold and Commonwealth Gold medallist Dina Asher-Smith.
Asher-Smith was named BT Sport Action Woman of the Year 2018 in the televised ceremony that followed, where Ellie and the rest of the GDST students were given a special mention by host, Clare Balding, who stated they were ‘stars of the future’. Ellie gave a fantastic interview, talking about how women are ‘breaking down barriers’ in sport and how this is inspiring young athletes like herself to strive to achieve their dreams.
A special occasion full of memorable moments, and inspiration for Ellie and her peers, as we look forward to another prosperous year in women’s sport in 2019.
