Former Olympic champion Amy Williams MBE is the guest of honour for the 2019 Isle of Man Sports Awards ceremony on April 2.

She became Britain’s first female skeleton gold medallist and the first to claim an individual gold medal for 58 years at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

The 37-year-old started out as a track athlete before taking the opportunity to try-out the newly-installed bobsleigh and skeleton push-start training facility at Bath University in 2002.

She accepted an invitation to join the GB skeleton development programme and went on to claim Olympic gold in 2010.

Following her retirement from sport in 2012, Williams became an Ambassador for the British Olympic Association and turned her talents to television work.

Her TV assignments include Ski Sunday and more recently ITV4’s coverage of the Classic TT alongside Steve Parrish and Steve Plater.

She is no stranger to our shores and is looking forward to coming back to the island in early April.

’I am hugely honoured to be invited as the guest of honour for the Isle of Man Sports Awards,’ said Amy.

’I’m really looking forward to celebrating all the sporting successes and can’t wait to head back to the island again after visiting in 2018 and 2019 for the Classic TT.’

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture said: ’In recent years, Isle of Man Sport has supported athletes including Zoe Gillings-Brier and Brandon Cain to follow their winter Olympic dreams and we have more talent on our radar. I am sure Amy’s sporting journey will be inspirational to those looking to join the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy programme in the future.’

The 2019 Isle of Man Sports Awards, sponsored by Microgaming PlayItForward, is the highlight of the sporting calendar, and will again celebrate the success stories achieved by the island’s sportsmen and women.

Gary Corkhill, executive chairman of Isle of Man Sport, said: ’Once again we have managed to secure the services of a sportswoman who has reached the very top in her chosen sport.

’Amy will no doubt make a very interesting and inspiring guest.’

Kate Moughtin, senior CSR manager at Microgaming, commented: ’Microgaming PlayItForward is thrilled to sponsor the 2019 Isle of Man Sports Awards.

’Congratulations to all nominees -these awards are a celebration of your incredible hard work and dedication over the past year.

’I know from working with our amazing PlayItForward volunteers at sports events throughout the year how important it is for local talent to have a strong support network, so in my eyes these awards are as much a tribute to your coaches, teams, families, and friends. Well done to all!’