Sarah Leiter, of the Goalball Women’s GB Team, has been lauded at the Woman of the Future Awards for her dedication to sport.

Sharing the accolade in the Sport category with Alex Paske, managing director of sports events and mentoring events company Mintridge Events, Leiter was recognised alongside other rising stars across business, culture, media and academia.

Goalball is the only Paralympic team sport designed specifically for the visually impaired. Played with raised markings on the floor, blindfolds are used to ensure an even playing field as players locate the ball through sound.

“It was amazing to be nominated alongside so many talented women,” Leiter said. “Playing goalball alongside my studies has given me to opportunity to travel to international competitions, train and compete around the country.

“I hope I can continue to thrive within goalball and hopefully inspire new people to get involved in the sport.”

She thanked the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), which has supported her training as part of her studies.

A student at Newnham College, Cambridge, Leiter trains with the Cambridge Dons. Having submitted her thesis on Clinical Biochemistry last year, she has returned her medical studies as part of an MB/PhD programme and hopes to pursue a career in genetics and rare disease research.

The Women of the Future Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani in 2006, are designed to provide a platform for female talent in the UK. The Countess of Wessex is the awards’ global ambassador, with Cherie Blair patron of the awards, and Burberry chairman Sir John Peace the chairman of the judging panel.

Mark Winder, CEO of Goalball UK, added: “Sarah is the definition of a role model – a PhD recipient, trainee doctor and an elite athlete.

“As with all of our GB players, she demonstrates to the next generation of players that their visual impairment should have no bearing on their future achievements.”