Boxers take top honours at Royal Navy Sports Awards

Boxing took the top honours at the Royal Navy Sports Awards 2021.

Royal Marine George Crotty and AB Sophie Colbourn were declared sportsman and sportswoman of the year respectively as a number of trophies were handed out by sports broadcaster John Inverdale, whose father was a mainstay of Royal Navy Rugby Union.

Mne Crotty spent the majority of the last two years representing the GB Boxing Team in the light heavyweight division as they prepared for the 2021 Olympics. He fought in two international tournaments, winning gold in both.

AB Colburn has won 13 out of 15 bouts for both RN Boxing and on the National Elite Boxing scene.

The all-female Royal Navy Equestrian Dressage team won the Team of the Year trophy after a series of Inter-Service and competition victories. The highlight of the team’s year saw AB Robyn McFadden and Lt Cdr Suzanne Clark take first and third places respectively in a new tri-service tournament.

Midshipman Theo Dodds was named Young Sportsperson of the Year for his contribution to Royal Navy Target Shooting. Competing for both GB and the UKAF, Mid Dodds is now preparing to represent Great Britain at the 2024 World Championships.

The Official of the Year trophy was won by Lt Chris Mullen for Royal Navy Judo.

Lifetime Achievement awards were given to nine people, recognising their contribution to Royal Navy sport.

They are:

WO1 George Hillan (rugby); Linda Judd (cricket); Lt Cdr Dave Barrett Rtd (climbing); WO1 Bill Callister (motorsport); Paul Ransley (boxing); Cdr Keith Bowers (fencing); Maj Tommy McPhee RM (boxing); CPO Paul Stainsby (surfing); Lt Cdr Micky Norford (retired) (boxing).

Royal Navy Rugby League won a new team award acknowledging the efforts in fundraising and physical challenges during the pandemic. The team hosted multiple virtual fitness challenges, while fundraising for both the NHS and Royal British Legion.

Lt Cdr Amy Gilmore was also rewarded for her contribution to Royal Navy Triathlon, completing an Ironman race while battling serious illness.