Lily van den Broecke knows that 2012 will take some beating.

A Paralympic gold medallist, the former Headington School pupil admitted that winning the Sportswoman of the Year award caps off an unbelievable 12 months.

The Durham University student, who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics, philosophy and economics, coxed Great Britain’s mixed four to glory at London this year and has a gold postbox in her name in Oxford.

Van den Broecke said that winning the award means a lot, not least because of the high regard she has for the city.

“I moved here at the age of about ten and love it,” she said. “Oxford means so much to me and I really owe the city so much. “Headington have backed me throughout, they’ve been amazing, without that support I couldn’t have done what I have.

“It only really dawns on you afterwards what you have achieved and it’s been an amazing year.

“I am only young, so would like to think that I might have other great years ahead of me, but it would take a special one to beat 2012.”

The Oxfordshire Sports Awards continue to grow.

Run by the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership and with the Oxford Mail as official media partners, this year’s ceremony was the most glittering yet.

And while there were gold medals in the room courtesy of van den Broecke and sportsman of the year Andy Triggs Hodge, the fact that calibre of athlete are competing with junior volunteers and up-and-coming stars means that it really is a night for everyone.

Bicester Hockey Club Ladies’ 1st XI won team of the year after completing two promotions in two years.

Captain Lilla Venning observed: “Winning back-to-back promotions is a great achievement and one that we are very proud of.”

Banbury Rugby Club landed the club of the year, junior chairman Chris White saying: “A lot of people have gone onto things they wouldn’t have without the help of Banbury RFC.

“We have a number of people in Premiership acadamies and that’s the aim – to keep producing people good enough to do that in the future.”

Rifle shooter Holly Lay was named junior sportsperson after becoming British Under 21 champion at the age of just 16.

“My aim is to make the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in two years’ time. This is a real honour and such a nice way to end the year,” she commented.

Wallingford Rowing Club’s J16 scullers said their junior team of the year award capped a superb year, with all four crew members hoping for places in Great Britain boats this year.

Ben Webb, 17, won the junior volunteer award after his work with the Cherwell Cycling Club.

Tessa Horn was coach of the year after her achievements at Kidlington Netball Club.

AWARDS.

Sportsman of year.

Winner: Andy Triggs Hodge (rowing). Runners-up: Jack Brooks (cricket), Lawrence Clarke (athletics).

Sportswoman of year.

Winner: Lily van den Broecke (rowing). Runners-up: Katherine Hawes (bowls), Dawn Williams (triathlon).

Team of year.

Winner: Bicester Hockey Club Ladies 1st XI. Runners-up: Oxford City Football Club 1st team, Oxfordshire Ladies cricket team.

Club of year.

Winner: Banbury Rugby Club.

Runners-up: Challow Netball Club, Higher Energy Trampoline Club.

Coach of year.

Winner: Tessa Horn (netball).

Runners-up: Yolanda Owen (netball), Jane Parkinson (badminton).

Junior sportsperson of the year.

Winner: Holly Lay (rifle shooting). Runners-up: Elliot Harvey (karting), Michael Wakelin (skater hockey).

Disability sports award.

Winner: Rosie Bancroft (swimming). Runners-up: Andrew Gardiner (golf), Witney Wolves (tag rugby).

Junior team of year.

Winner: Wallingford rowing club’s J16 scullers.

Runners-up: Banbury girls under 13 cricket team, Team Cherwell junior triathlon team.

Unsung hero.

Winner: Paul Duester (cricket).

Runners-up: Chris Bazeley (athletics), Shirley Johnson (football).

Young volunteer.

Winner: Ben Webb (cycling).

Runners-up: Amy Cooper (athletics), Tom Guntrip (cricket).

Active Workplace Award

Winner: Crown Technology

Runners-up: Core Filing Limited, Nielsen.