Roberts, a double UWW World Championships bronze medallist in 2003 and 2005 from the United States, is the executive director and founder of Wrestle Like a Girl, which "aims to support and promote women’s wrestling by focusing on the entire athlete, rather than just on-the-mat achievements".

She also leads the organisation’s camp initiative which provides a two-day wrestling camp where the attendees learn the sport's techniques and life skills.

The camps are specifically tailored to girls between the ages of 12 and 18 who want to learn wrestling and "the championship life skills involved with success both inside and outside the sport".

Each camp or clinic has a support network of high calibre national team athletes and regional staff who "guide athletes as they develop their skills".

"I’m honoured to be recognised for our work at Wrestle Like a Girl," said Roberts after being given the award on International Women's Day.

"Women in the sport are capable of so much and I hope that we can be a part of their development in the US and worldwide."

The award was presented during the three-day Forum at the Olympic Museum.

The main focus of the event, attracted more than 60 people, is to train attendees on how they can run for leadership positions within the world of sport.

Association of Summer Olympic International Federations President Francesco Ricci Bitti, who opened the Forum, admitted there was currently a "huge lack" of female sporting leaders.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Lydia Nsekera of Burundi,  who chairs the Women in Sport Commission was among those present at the Forum.

"We would like to see women become a larger part of our organisation," said UWW president Nenad Lalovic.

"Our goal is to one day reach 30 per cent representation someday, maybe even by Tokyo 2020."