The determination of both women was key to their award success

Holmes was awarded the Good Housekeeping Outstanding Achievement Award, for her "triumph over adversity" and "gutsy approach".

The Frink Award, for women who enrich other people's lives while overcoming difficulties, went to Mrs Tomlinson.

She has taken on numerous fund-raising sporting challenges since learning she had terminal cancer in 2002.

Holmes took golds in both the 800m and 1500m races in the games in Athens this summer.

Jane has competed in event after challenging event, often within days of exhausting treatment Gayle Morrison

Presenting the award, Good Housekeeping editor-in-chief Lindsay Nicholson said the award was not for Holmes' athletic ability.

It was for her "dogged determination through endless setbacks and injury and for the way she confounded her critics and finally triumphed - not once but twice," she said.

Jane Tomlinson has completed three London Marathons, three London triathlons, a half Ironman and three-quarter Ironman triathlon and a cycle ride from Rome to her home in Leeds.

Pilkington director Lorraine Clinton, left, with Mary Kayitesi Blewitt

She is approaching her �1m charity fund-raising target.

Other winners included Mary Kayitesi Blewitt, who won the Pilkington Award for her work with fellow survivors of the Rwandan genocide.

Gayle Morrison, executive chair of the Women of the Year Lunch and Assembly (WOYLA), said: "Since her diagnosis, Jane has completed in event after challenging event, often within days of exhausting treatment.

"She is truly inspirational," she added.

The annual awards, at The Savoy hotel in London, celebrate Britain's most exceptional women.