Prof Norman, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Loughborough University Flagship Institute for Women in Sport, attended the invitation-only Women of the Year Lunch & Awards at the Royal Lancaster London on Monday 12 October.
Founded in 1955, Women of the Year recognises women whose achievements, leadership, and personal contributions are making a positive difference to society. Each year, 400 women from across the UK and beyond are nominated and selected to attend the event, with every invitee recognised as a Woman of the Year.
Prof Norman was recognised following more than two decades of research and leadership focused on women’s experiences within sport. Her work has particularly examined the systemic conditions affecting women coaches and leaders and has informed policy and practice across national and international sporting organisations.
In July, she was appointed Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of the University’s new Flagship Institute for Women in Sport. The Institute brings together expertise from across Loughborough to produce interdisciplinary research capable of redesigning sport around women and girls, working with and alongside them to create meaningful and lasting change.
This year’s Women of the Year event was led by its President, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, DL, and celebrated women making a difference across public life, communities, education, business, health, the arts, and sport.
Among the remarkable women present was Gisèle Pelicot, who won the 2026 Courage Award, presented by actress, Sienna Millar. Gisele became an international symbol of courage following her decision to waive her anonymity and make the criminal trial of her former husband and the other men accused of sexually assaulting her open to the public. Her words, “shame must change sides”, have become a global call for responsibility to rest with perpetrators rather than victims.
Reflecting on the recognition, Professor Norman said: “It was an enormous honour to be recognised as one of the 2026 Women of the Year and to spend the day among so many remarkable women.
“What struck me was the extraordinary range of experiences and contributions represented in the room. These were women changing lives in their communities, challenging injustice, leading organisations, influencing policy, and creating opportunities for others - often without their work receiving the visibility it deserves.
“Hearing from Gisèle Pelicot was especially powerful and moving. Her courage, and her insistence that shame must change sides, have forced societies around the world to confront where responsibility for violence against women must lie.
“I left feeling inspired, but also with a renewed sense of responsibility. This recognition reflects the work I have pursued throughout my career to make women’s experiences visible and to challenge the systems and environments that continue to produce inequity in sport. It also strengthens my determination to ensure that our new Flagship Institute works with and alongside women and girls to create meaningful change.
“I am immensely grateful for the nomination and to the colleagues, partners, and women whose experiences and expertise have shaped this work. Although my name appears on the recognition, none of this work is ever achieved alone.”
Professor Norman joins the Women of the Year Alumnae Club, a growing network connecting women recognised through the event and its programme throughout the year.