It is designed to recognise the achievements of those overcame challenges such as COVID-19 or injuries and those who achieved personal bests.

The COB hope to inspire women to pursue their sporting goals with the award - sponsored by Brazilian department store Riachuelo - which will be a part of the Brasil Olímpico Award for the first time.

Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Ana Marcela Cunha, Beijing 2008 bronze medallist judoka Ketleyn Quadros, double Olympic champion sailors Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze have all been nominated.

Tokyo 2020 silver medal skateboarder, gold and silver Olympic medallist gymnast Rebecca Andrade, world champion swimmer Etiene Medeiros and Tokyo 2020 bronze medal-winning tennis doubles partners Laura Pigossi and Luisa Stefani also make the shortlist.

"Women in Sports is an important pillar of the COB's work," Manoela Penna, communication and marketing director of the COB, said.

"We are very happy to be able to tell this story within the Brasil Olímpico Award with Riachuelo."

The Inspire Award is the result of a partnership between the Rio de Janeiro Department of Sport, Leisure and Youth, Riachuelo and marketing company Golden Goal.

The main objective is to honour athletes' journey's in and out of sport.

"We are a predominantly female company and we are aware of the challenges faced by women, especially in sports," said Marcella Kanner, head of communication and brand at Riachuelo.

"The Inspire Award is a tribute from Riachuelo and Brazil to all the athletes who inspire other women not only for their sporting careers, but also for their beautiful and inspiring trajectories."

Organised by the COB, the ceremony is set to take place in Brazil's Northeast Region for the first time.