Non Evans (pictured) was among the many sports stars who have been awarded honours for the Queen’s birthday this year.
Recognised for Services to sport, Non was awarded the title following a submission by her local community representatives to the British Government, a recommendation which has been echoed by her teammates, colleagues, friends and family.
Non’s career has included multi-disciplinary sporting success. She held the title of Welsh Judo Champion for eight years between 1990–2002, competing at the Commonwealth Games four times and winning two silver medals.
In 2002 Non became the first female ever to compete in two sports at the same Commonwealth Games, when she competed in both weightlifting and judo. In 2010 she added a third sport to this impressive list by competing in wrestling in Delhi.
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2010 also saw Non’s retirement from international women’s rugby, following a successful career which included 87 caps for Wales. She maintains the title of top point scorer in women’s rugby and was this year given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rugby Writers’ Dinner.
Jess Ennis was another proud recipient of the MBE award. The World Champion heptathlete from Woodseats, Sheffield was awarded the distinguished accolade in recognition of her services to athletics.
English Adventurer, Sarah Outen, was also awarded after she became the youngest person to row solo across the Indian Ocean. Jan Dinsdale was awarded for her services to the sport of blind golf in Northern Ireland.
Jill Lindsay was honoured posthumously with the Order of Australia. Jill died in February but her friends and family were delighted for the recognition that Jill received for her years of devotion to softball and Australian Football.
Monica Stott, Sportsister
The Women’s Sport Magazine
