Isle of Man Sports Awards: Bevan Rodd and Lizzie Holden take top honours

England prop Bevan Rodd grew up on the Isle of Man

England rugby star Bevan Rodd and cyclist Lizzie Holden have taken home the top prizes at the Isle of Man Sports Awards.

Rodd, part of the England squad which finished third at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was named sportsman of the year.

Holden, 26, scooped the same prize in the woman's category at the awards held at the Villa Marina in Douglas on Wednesday.

She was crowned British Time Trial champion in the 2023 championships.

Cyclist Mark Cavendish was also named Isle of Man sports ambassador of the year for his performance at the 2023 Tour de France, where he came close to taking a record-breaking 35th stage before crashing out and suffering a broken collarbone.

Four-time Olympian Zoe Gillings-Brier was guest of honour at the annual ceremony.

Lizzie Holden was crowned Elite Women's British Time Trial Champion in 2023

Holden, who also completed the Tour de France Femmes in 2023, said she was "thrilled to win against so many other top sportswomen".

"I am so proud to be from the Isle of Man and this means the world," she added.

Meanwhile, Rodd, who also helped Sale Sharks reach their first Gallagher Premiership final for 17 years, said he was "delighted to receive this recognition".

"Last year was full of highlights for me and I am very proud to win this award," said the 23-year-old prop.

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Daphne Caine MHK, said the awards were a "fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of the island's outstanding athletes and teams, along with the people that help them to fulfil their potential".

Other award winners were:

• Under-21 Sportsman of the Year - Corrin Leeming (athletics)

• Under-21 Sportswoman of the Year - Sienna Dunn (hockey)

• Disability Sportsperson of the Year - Duncan Watterson (Special Olympics)

• Veteran Sportsperson of the Year - Sarah Webster (athletics)

• Sports Administrator of the Year - Joy Gough (archery)

• Sports Coach of the Year - Sally Green (cricket)

• Sports Team of the Year - Isle of Man Women's Cricket Team (cricket)

• Sports Leader of the year - Ellie Johnson

• Lifetime Achievement - George Peach (motorsport)

• Sporting achievement of the year - Lorna Gleave (race walking)

• The Leonie Cooil Courage & Inspiration Award - Sally Green (cricket)

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