Victoria Pendleton, one of the world’s leading female track cyclists, was today named as The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year for 2007, at a star-studded awards ceremony held in the Nursery Pavilion at Lord’s cricket ground in London.

In front of more than 300 people, which included Sarah Brown, the wife of the Prime Minister, Sir Keith Mills, MCC secretary and chief executive Keith Bradshaw, Nicola Sanders and Jeremy Guscott, Pendleton was honoured by our prestigious judging panel for her flawless performances at the UCI Track cycling World Championships in Mallorca earlier this year where she became a triple world champion. Currently training in Perth, Australia, she received her award from Olympic time trial champion Chris Hoy and spoke to the assembled audience via video: "I am really hoping 2008 will be a great year," she said. "It is fantastic to have won this award."

Katherine Grainger, Britain’s most celebrated oarswoman and winner of a fourth rowing world championship gold medal, was runner-up. In third place was Christine Ohuruogu, who dramatically won the 400m at the World Athletics Championships in August, barely a month after completing her one-year ban for missing three out-of competition drug tests.

Billie Jean King, one of the greatest ever female tennis players and winner of 39 grand-slam titles in 19 years, was presented with the Sony Ericsson Lifetime Achievement Award. Thirty-four years after her famous "Battles of the Sexes" victory over Bobby Riggs, which had a profound effect within society, King has remained a trailblazer in the sport, a lifelong dedication that was rewarded this year when the All England club finally gave equal prize money for women at the Wimbledon Championships.

To honour the inspirational life of Jane Tomlinson, who died of cancer in September, renowned sports journalist and personal friend, Rob Hughes, gave a moving speech, admitting that “in 40 years’ covering sport around the world, I never met a braver example – man or woman – of unconquerable spirit”. Jane’s husband Mike and two of their three children, Rebecca and Steven, were present.

Now in their 20th year, The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards, in association with Sony Ericsson, are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar. The event recognises women at all levels of sport including unsung heroes, young sportswomen and PE teachers nurturing future talent. The nominations this year were of the highest calibre and, once again, it proved to be a memorable occasion.

BBC Sport presenter Jill Douglas, who hosted the event, said: “All the women here are fantastic role models who will inspire future generations to excel at sport.”

Full list of winners in the 2007 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards, in association with Sony Ericsson:

Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year: Victoria Pendleton

Sony Ericsson Lifetime Achievement Award: Billie Jean King

Pindar Team of the Year: Arsenal Ladies

Unsung Hero Award: Cherry Alexander

MCC Young Sportswoman of the Year: Shanaze Reade

The Champions Award: Nicole Arthur

University Sporting Achievement of the Year: Jessica Ennis

PE Teacher of the Year: Helen Finbow – Woodhey High School, Ramsbottom, Bury

The Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration: Joanna Gardiner

Sony Ericsson Overseas Sportswoman of the Year: Carolina Kluft

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