The inaugural Action Woman Awards celebrated women who gave the most dynamic sporting performances of 2013 and the winner was decided by an online public vote.

Downhill mountain biking star Rachel Atherton has been crowned the first-ever winner of BT’s Action Woman of the Year Awards.

Atherton’s success followed a triumphant year during which she became the women’s downhill mountain bike world champion and World Cup Series winner – the second time in her career in which she has achieved the elusive double.Downhill mountain biking star Rachel Atherton has been crowned the first-ever winner of BT’s Action Woman of the Year Awards.

The 26-year-old from Salisbury was named victor on Saturday [25th January 2013] night’s edition of The Clare Balding Show.

“Wow! I’m absolutely gobsmacked to have won the first ever BT Sport Action Women Awards”, Atherton said.

The shortlist for this award was stacked with women who I personally take inspiration from.” Rachel Atherton

Runner-up Natasha Dowie, a Roundwood Park Alumni, who helped Liverpool Ladies to the Women’s Super League title as the league’s Golden Boot winner, while also being voted Players’ Player of the Year, was thrilled to be recognised for her achievements last year.

“To be nominated for Action Woman of the Year meant so much to me,” said Dowie.

“It was almost surreal when I got the news and just unbelievable when I saw who the other nominees were. I was almost too embarrassed to ask my friends and supporters to vote for me alongside those other amazing athletes.

“Whilst I’ve had football awards, I’ve never been nominated for anything like this before so it’s a really big deal to me.”

Courtesy of the BT Sport site.