2011 OXFORDSHIRE SPORTS AWARDS

THE main two awards of the night – sportsman and sportswoman of the year – both went to Olympic hopefuls who could not be there because of their training programmes.

Athlete Hannah England was winning the title for the second time in three years, while Wantage cyclist John Paul, who won the junior sportsperson last year, landed the senior equivalent.

England, who has been training in Kenya, had only just landed back in Britain by the time the awards started.

However, represented by Oxford City clubmates Melissa Hawtin and Martha Lloyd, she sent a message expressing her delight at winning the award once again.

“I would like to thank the Oxfordshire sports community for their enthusiastic and constant support and recognition of my performances,” she said.

“Oxford has a wonderful sporting ethic that nurtures both young and mature sports people across the county.

“I started my athletics career at Oxford City at 13 and will always associate my enjoyment and passion for athletics with my introduction to the sport at the Horspath track.

“I am sure this is a sentiment shared by lots of young sports people in the area.”

Paul, who was represented by his father, who is also called John Paul, is at an elite training camp in Manchester for London 2012 cycling hopefuls.

And his father said that the prospect of competing in the Olympics would be a dream come true.

“He is the youngest member of the squad, but has put himself in the mix for a place in the team sprint,” he said.

“I know how determined he is and we now must keep everything crossed.

“He will be so honoured to receive this award.”