Olympian Gabby Douglas glitters in gold as she is named sportswoman of the year at star studded ceremony
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America's greatest female athletes gathered in New York City on Wednesday night to attend the Women's Sports Foundation awards ceremony.
But the highest honor of the night went to Olympic all-around champion Gabby Douglas who won Sportswoman of the Year beating out Lindsey Vonn, Serena Williams and Missy Franklin for the prize.
Dressed in a sophisticated gold sheath dress and peep-toe gold booties the 16-year-old sparkled as she received her award.
Gold standard: Olympic gymnast Gabrielle Douglas receives Sportswoman of the Year Award
Douglas is the third gymnast to win the coveted prize, joining fellow Olympic gold medalists Mary Lou Retton and Nastia Liukin, which is given to an individual athlete who exhibits exceptional performances.
16-year-old Douglas took to Twitter later that night to say: 'Thank you so much @WomensSportsFdn for nominating me for such an AMAZING award! Thank you everyone that voted for me! Love you guys!'
Also present at the event was tennis great Billie Jean King, boxer Laila Ali, and a host of U.S. female London Olympics stars.
Sporting icons: Women's Sports Foundation CEO Kathryn Olson, Founder Billie Jean King, and President Laila Ali organised the event
Inspirational: Kayla Harrison and Lianna Thomas were also honoured at the event
Other honorees included U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team forward Alex Morgan who was awarded the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year Award for a team sport.
'[I] can't wait to use this platform to make a positive change in the lives of young girls,' she tweeted before the event.
American female judoka Kayla Harrison was given The Wilma Rudolph Courage Award which is presented to a female athlete who exhibits extraordinary courage in her athletic performance.
Winning combination: Olympic gymnasts Jordyn Wieber, Gabrielle Douglas, and Nastia Liukin attend the 33rd Annual Salute To Women In Sports Gala
Going swimmingly: Missy Franklin and Claire Donahue pose on the red carpet
Competitive figure skater Lianna Thomas was also given the ANNIKA Inspiration Award for her charity Ice Pandas which introduces skating to girls adopted from China with the goal of improving their self-esteem and confidence.
'There was so much girl power in one room. It was amazing,' Swimmer Missy Franklin told USA Today of the party held at the Cipriani Wall Street restaurant.
Founded in 1974 by tennis legend, Billie Jean King, the Women's Sports Foundation is dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity
Ball girls: Olympic soccer players Heather O' Reilly, Alexandra Morgan, Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd, and Heather Mitts
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2219424/Olympic-gymnast-Gabby-Douglas-named-Sportswoman-Year-star-studded-New-York-City-awards-ceremony.html#ixzz29e0WtK00
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