SURREY SPORTS AWARDS 2009
SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE
YEAR
The Sports Personality of Year award
supported by BBC Surrey is for an individual who has:
- made significant progress in the field of
sport;
- had significant impact on sport in Surrey
and been an inspiration to others;
- exceeded expectations in their
sporting performance or made a significant difference to a
team.
The shortlisted nominees are:
Rachel Morris -
WINNER
British Cycling Disability
Squad
Rachel spent many years enjoying
national and international success at sailing and had the ambition
of competing in this sport at the 2008
Paralympics. However, following the amputation
of both legs, sailing became increasingly difficult and Rachel took
up hand cycling. Rachel was identified by the
British Cycling Disability Programme as having the potential to
reach the Paralympic podium and hasnt looked back
since. Having already won two world titles in
Bordeaux in 2007, Rachel has been nominated for Sports Personality
of the Year award by winning the gold medal in the 12km hand
cycling time trial at the 2008 Beijing
Paralympics.
Chris Leng
Chea
Woking Weightlifting
Club
Chris is the current British and
English Senior Champion in the Olympic sport of
weightlifting. He also won the title of Britains
Best All Round Strength Athlete in 2008 and this year represented
England in an international against Norway and
Sweden. As well as competing nationally and
internationally, Chris is also a qualified BWLA Instructor in
weightlifting, coaching and assisting in competitions at his club
in Woking. His personality and talent inspires
others and has attracted newcomers to the
sport.
Sophie
Johnstone
Camberley Judo
Club
At 23 years of age, Sophie is the
current British Champion in the U52kgs category and leads the Great
Britain Senior Rankings. Sophie is a dedicated
full time athlete and her goal is to compete at the 2012
Olympics. Her most significant achievements to
date include representing Great Britain at the recent World
Championships in Rotterdam, 7th place at the 2008 World
Cup in Sofia and 1st place in both the British
Championships and Welsh Open in Cardiff. Sophie
also works part time supporting younger members of her
club.
Page last updated: 14 October
2009
