Michelle Payne, a name synonymous for sticking it to the man, has over the past 12 months defied the odds and created her own path.Payne became a worldwide sensation when she became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, saluting aboard 100-1 outsider Prince of Penzance, but she gained even more attention with her rogue post-race comments in which she thanked winning trainer Darren Weir for giving her a go in such a chauvinistic sport.I know some of the owners were keen to kick me off, and [senior part-owner] John Richards and Darren stuck strongly with me, Payne said after winning the Race That Stops The Nation. I put in all the effort I could and galloped him all I could because I thought he had what it takes to win the Melbourne Cup. I cant say how grateful I am to them. I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed because women can do anything and we can beat the world.With those words, Payne became more than just a champion jockey; she became a champion for womens rights, a fighter in and out of the saddle.Riding high into 2016, Payne continued to face challenges and opposition within a tough, sporting industry.Payne, 31, suffered a potentially career-ending injury in a race fall in May this year, when she was rushed for surgery to repair her torn pancreas before spending weeks in hospital.That injury and the possibility of becoming a diabetic prompted calls for her retirement, most notably from the owners of Prince of Penzance, but the Victorian trailblazer would not be stopped and she returned to the saddle just five months later to create history once again.Returning in September, she became one of three people granted a dual licence to ride and train her own horses and she made history in October when she became the first person in Victoria to ride a runner she trains at Group level.But one year on from her amazing Melbourne Cup feat little has changed from the racing world with Payne riding in just six races during the four day carnival, two on her brothers horses and the third her own horse, Queen of Zealand, while only one woman, Katelyn Mallyon, would race for the Cup.Payne, a country girl with big dreams, doesnt regret what she said after winning the 2015 Melbourne Cup, and her determination, tenaciousness and unflappable faith that touched hearts around Australia resulted in the Ballarat native winning The Don Award presented annually to a sportsperson, who, through their achievements and example over the last 12 months, is considered to have most inspired the nation; the description suits Michelle Payne to a T.Inspired by Michelle Payne and Rogue One. 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PJ Tucker Rockets Jersey . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. Houston Rockets Jerseys . The International Olympic Committee released the official list of bid cities on Friday after the deadline for applications had passed. The candidates -- all previously announced in their own countries -- are: Almaty, Kazakhstan; Beijing; Krakow, Poland; Lviv, Ukraine; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm.James Wade is out to make amends for a disappointing World Championship performance when he gets his Premier League campaign underway.Wade crashed out in the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace - losing 5-1 to an inspired Gary Anderson - but The Machine knows he was far from his best during a lacklustre showing over the festive period.Im still very angry with myself, and very disappointed with my performance [at the Worlds], he told Sky Sports. I put a lot of practice in which I never normally do. I maybe went to the other extreme and practiced too much.I knew I wasnt playing well but hoped Id pull through, but never did. Its not for me to practise too much. Mardles opening night picks Wayne Mardle makes his Premier League picks for week one Wade is a two-time Premier League finalist, winning the title in 2009 when he beat Mervyn King to the crown, and he is hoping a more relaxed approach can take him far in this years event, which gets underway in Leeds on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports 1.I just have to play darts and try to enjoy it, Ive tried to stop thinking about the game and be more laid back, he added ahead of his opener against Michael van Gerwen. I dont look at any game differently in the Premier League. Hes the world No 1 so its good to play him in that respect, but in the Premier League youve got so many games. You need to make sure youve got enough under your belt to get yourself through.People have had channces to beat Michael but havent taken their opportunities, which has grown his confidence even more.dddddddddddd People arent beating Michael when they have their chance.Wade returned last year and the surprise omission in 2014 insists his experience of winning majors - he has eight of them already - will make him a contender for this seasons crown. Studds memorable moments Rod Studd looks back at some nights to remember Its a long time ago that I won the Premier League. Time scale on darts is relevant - some things feel like yesterday, some feel like a million years ago. Its a hard tournament to win, he said.I think Im better placed to win it again than players who havent won a major tournament. Some of them still havent learned how to cross the finishing line. Thats about being in the right place at the right time in the early days of your career and winning a tournament rather than keep losing.You can watch the opening night live on Sky Sports 1 from 7pm on Thursday, or watch without a contract on NOW TV.We will be building up to the coverage this week on our live blog here www.skysports.com/darts and the Sky Sports app will keep you up to date with all the action.Also See:Sky Live: Premier League DartsPremier League playersMardles PL predictionsMVG gunning for title ' ' '