Dina Asher-Smith was hailed as a true inspiration after picking up the Sporting Hero gong at the Mirror Pride of Sport Awards.
The golden girl of British athletics is back in training looking to add an Olympic title to the world 200 metres crown she won in Doha in October.
Two-time Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes was at the gala ceremony in London and said: “Dina is the epitome of the role model we need at the moment in our sport.
“She is beautiful both inside and out. She is showcasing pure talent and professionalism and in a really lovely way.
"That’s what you want isn’t it, the personality and the success.”
The 24-year-old Kent rocket is already the first British woman ever to win a global sprint title.
And track legend Sally Gunnell believes that is just the start.
Gunnell knows what it takes to back up a success, being the only female British athlete to have won Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth titles.
“People raise their game at the Olympics so it doesn’t just happen, you’ve still got to put the work in,” said the hurdler.
“But Dina has shown she can deliver on that stage and confidence is everything.
"There’s no reason she can’t repeat that next year.
“She’s in her prime at the moment. She’s young and enjoying it. If she stays injury free I think she will.”
