Europe’s Solheim Cup victors crowned Team of the Year

Posted on | by systems

The European Solheim Cup team walked away with the Team of the Year prize at the BT Sport Action Woman Awards for 2019.

Captain Catriona Matthew, who led her team to victory against the Americans at Gleneagles in September, picked up the award at the ceremony hosted by Clare Balding broadcast live on BT Sport in London.

Ama Agbeze, England netballer, whose team won the award last year, presented the award to round off a momentous year for the team and the sport.

Europe won the last three singles matches to seal a sensational 14½-13½ Solheim Cup win, a thrilling victory which came down to the final putt, holed by Suzann Pettersen.

Equestrian icon Pippa Funnell was named BT Sport Action Woman of the Year for 2019 to top off an incredible year for the 51-year-old, who returned to winning ways after 14 years.

Winning the Burghley Horse Trials and a team silver at the European Championships was a huge testament to the 50-year-old’s dedication and perseverance.

Former British swimmer Mel Marshall received the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise her commitment to coaching and her achievements in swimming.

Skateboarder Sky Brown was named the Rising Star. At just 11 years old, Brown is already the world’s youngest professional skateboarder, and hopes to become Britain’s youngest summer Olympian, representing Team GB in Tokyo next year.

BT Sport presenter Clare Balding, said: “The BT Sport Action Woman Awards is one of the highlights of the year for celebrating the fantastic achievements of women in sport, and what a year it’s been.

“There are so many women leading the way in sport and it is great to come together to highlight the countless standout team and individual performances.

“I’ve seen the interest in women’s sport increase rapidly which is testimony to those involved who continue to put women’s sport at the forefront of the agenda, and it’s great to see that interest backed up by the number of people who have got involved and voted in this year’s awards.

“At BT Sport we’re proud to support and recognise so many amazing women in sport, and we’re looking forward to another standout year in 2020.”