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Diana Clarke of the Equestrian Association has joined the elite list of outstanding sportswomen in Barbados.
She was named as the BOA Gender Equality Commission Esther Maynard Icon Awardee for 2025.
Clarke, who is now the sixth recipient of the award, was among three impressive nominees – the others being Cheryl Lady Forde of aquatics and Monica Cumberbatch of hockey.
An instrumental figure in the development of the equestrian sport in Barbados and the Caribbean for over 50 years, Clarke has coached many students who successfully represented Barbados at national, regional and international competitions.
She has also been an administrator of the sport through various positions on the Barbados Equestrian Association, and was also President of the Caribbean Equestrian Association.
Chairperson of the Gender Equality Commission Marsha Boyce says the focus remains on the remarkable women of sports in Barbados who have inspired, challenged and made history on and off the field.
President of the Barbados Olympic Association Sandra Osborne says the award has been a benchmark by which they judge all nominees.
The previous five awardees were Esther Maynard in athletics, Kathy Harper-Hall in netball, the late Sonia O’Neal in aquatics, June Rudder in athletics and the late Andrea Nicholls in hockey.
