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The esteemed William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, the highest literary honor in sports, has revealed the members of its esteemed judging panel for the competition this year. Notably, renowned broadcaster Gabby Logan has joined the company, contributing her vast knowledge of sports and skill in storytelling.
The William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award has honored outstanding sports writing in a variety of genres since it was first established in 1989. Alyson Rudd, Dame Heather Rabbatts, Mark Lawson, Clarke Carlisle, and Michelle Walder—all returning from the previous year’s panel—will be joined by Gabby Logan. They will work together to go over the submissions, create a shortlist, and choose the 36th recipient of the prize.
Logan, a former gymnast and prominent presenter of major sporting events—including the Olympics and World Cup—offers a wealth of experience. Her recent memoir, “The First Half,” adds to her credibility as a judge. Her deep connection to the sports world positions her well for this role.
Alyson Rudd, an award-winning sports journalist at The Times, will lead the panel for the sixth consecutive year. With two sports books and two novels to her credit, along with qualifications as a football coach and referee, Rudd’s extensive background makes her an ideal chair for the panel’s critical discussions.
Dame Heather Rabbatts brings her pioneering expertise as the first female Director of the Football Association. Her unique insights into the sports industry will enrich the panel’s evaluation process. Michelle Walder, a non-executive board member at Brighton and Hove Albion FC, will resume her judging duties. With years of experience in leadership and coaching, Walder’s perspective is invaluable for selecting this year’s nominees.
Mark Lawson, a seasoned broadcaster and writer, also rejoins the panel. His background as a theatre critic and feature writer for The Guardian complements the judging process, enhancing its literary aspects. Clarke Carlisle, known for his dual career as a footballer and broadcaster, completes the lineup. His firsthand experience in the sport provides a unique viewpoint that will aid the judges in their assessments.
The judging panel will begin narrowing down the longlist throughout October, culminating in the announcement of the shortlist on October 31. The prestigious awards ceremony is set for November 19, where the winning author will receive the coveted William Hill Sports Book of the Year trophy and £30,000 in cash. Shortlisted authors will each be awarded a leather-bound copy of their book and £3,000.
Lee Phelps, spokesperson for William Hill, expressed excitement over the panel’s composition: “We’re delighted to announce we’ve got a host of familiar faces returning to the judging panel for this year’s edition of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award.” He emphasized Logan’s sports knowledge and Rudd’s sixth year as chair, highlighting the robust selection process ahead.
Alyson Rudd echoed this sentiment: “I am excited as ever to return as the Chair of Judging for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2024. I keep coming back year after year because the standard has improved.” Rudd’s enthusiasm for the award showcases its significance within the literary and sports communities.