The winners of the 2018 Bath Sports Awards can finally be revealed.
The thoroughly deserving sportsmen, women, children and teams were celebrated in a ceremony at Bath Assembly Rooms on Tuesday night.
Addressing the 200 attendees, Bath Chronicle editor Gavin Thompson said: “Bath is a beautiful city, a shopping city and a historic city. But as everyone here tonight reminds us, Bath is a massive sporting city.”
Stadium for Bath – the group comprising Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby Foundation and Arena 1865 looking to build a new stadium on the Rec – were the title sponsor.
Bath Rugby chief executive Tarquin McDonald said: “Together we can contribute to the city an exceptional riverside area that everyone can enjoy, an amazing place to watch rugby – to watch winning rugby – and a longstanding legacy for sport participation and social benefit.
“I see the nominees tonight as torch-bearers. Torch-bearers are an inspiring image and this evening is about celebrating people who inspire across sport and the community.”
Cognisess Sports, which provides a software platform that helps businesses identify, nurture and retain the talent they need to remain competitive, was an event partner.
Here are all the winners and finalists…
Young Sports Personality of the Year – Tatum Keen (judo)
Finalists: Ethan Hall (athletics), Sarah Wilson (modern pentathlon)
Tatum achieved all her goals and targets, and even won a European medal.
The Beechen Cliff 6th former said: “I was doing ballet from when I was six. I was enjoying it but I started doing judo at Bath Uni.”
Junior Team of the Year – Beechen Cliff Under-15s rugby
Finalists: Kingswood School 1 XV rugby team, Oldfield Park Junior School
Beechen Cliff were crowned National Schools Vase champions at Twickenham. They scored more than 300 points in seven games on their way to the title.
Ollie de Glanville – son of former Bath and England captain Phil – and Rufus Colman-Deveney collected the award on behalf of the team.
On beating Kenilworth at the home of English rugby, hooker Rufus said: “It was quite overwhelming. It was such a big experience for us.”
Bath Rugby fly-half Freddie Burns – a former pupil – presented the award.
Fly-half Ollie said: “For someone who used to go to Beechen Cliff to be playing for Bath in the Premiership is really inspiring."
Senior Team of the Year – British Skeleton
Finalists: Bath Spartans touch rugby team, Walcot Warriors mixed ability rugby team
British Skeleton, which is based at the University of Bath, won three medals at the Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018. Lizzy Yarnold won her second gold, Lara Deas and Dom Parsons got bronze.
Coach Donna Creighton and skeleton racer Ellie Furneaux collected the award.
“Some people say we have a screw loose,” said Donna of the white-knuckle sport. “You have to commit to it, be focused and really be part of the sled.”
Ellie added: “Some people will go down once and never do it again, others will absolutely love it.”
Coach of the Year – Emma Isaac (Bath Cougars netball)
Finalists: Alex Johnson and Jenny Rutter (Nova Sports Coaching), John Gould (Bath Rugby Ladies), Rob Pickup (Bath Rugby Foundation)
Emma has been the driving force behind Bath Cougars netball and has supported Team Bath under-19s.
Emma said “passion” and putting in the hours were the two most important aspects of becoming a successful coach.
When asked about he coaching style, she said: “I try to be kind but I am quite fierce.”
Community Club of the Year – Bath Roller Derby
Finalist: Team Bath Synchro Club
Bath Roller Derby has two teams and a cohort of affiliated referees and non-skating officials. Committee members Amy Feldman and Gwen James were delighted with the award.
“It’s been a crazy year for the club,” Amy said. “We’ve gone from 180th in Europe to about 100th.
“It’s a great sport for people who might not have tried it before or weren’t into PE when they were younger.”
Gwen added: “It’s one of only a few female-dominated sports, although we do have some male members.
“It’s really nice for an amateur club like ours to be recognised with an award.”
They currently train at Beechen Cliff and hold their matches at Wellsway School in Keynsham. For more information or to get involved, visit www.facebook.com/bathrollerderby.
Outstanding Services to Sport in Bath – Brendan Rouse (St John’s Catholic Primary School)
Finalists: Arnold Cooke (Minerva Bath Rowing), Mark Gunning (Bear Flat Cricket Club), Team Bath (University of Bath sports teams)
Brendan Rouse first joined St John’s in 2001. Since then, he has transformed PE and school sport from 20 children in clubs to more than 300.
“Being active is one of the most important things for children,” said Brendan. “I go around a lot of schools and, having this award, will help show that what we’re doing is right.
“The people who are doing sport for free and coming into schools, this is really for you.”
Disability Sports Performer of the Year, sponsored by Assured Mobility – Piers Gilliver (wheelchair fencing)
Finalists: Dimitri Coutya (wheelchair fencing), Olivia Hyman (disabled strongman and powerlifting)
Wheelchair fencer Piers – who is world number one in category A epee and has had another great season – won the award for a third time.
The 24-year-old, who is working towards the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2020, said: “Even though wheelchair fencing looks so fast, there are so many tactics going on for every hit.
“It’s a mental game – not only figuring out what you want to do, but also keeping yourself under control to put your best performance onto the piste.”
Professional Sports Personality of the Year – Vicky Holland (triathlon)
Finalists: James Guy (swimming), Kate French (modern pentathlon), Elidh Doyle (athletics)
Vicky made a stunning return from a serious calf injury in 2017 to win three gold medals on her way to the World Triathlon Series title this year.
The athlete who trains at the University of Bath said: “I always ran through school, then when I went to university I sort of got drafted into it.
“I didn’t really want to have a go at triathlon because I thought I couldn’t swim or ride a bike fast enough.
“I thought I was going to be the next Kelly Holmes, but eventually I was persuaded to have a go and never really looked back.
“I’d never really thought there would be a life you could live as a professional athlete. I assumed you had to have a real job.
“There was a moment when it dawned on me that I could do this as my job. You’re living the dream. It took a few years to get there, but I got there in the end.”
Sports Personality of the Year – Lizzy Yarnold (skeleton)
Finalists: Eboni Beckford-Chambers (netball), Kadeen Corbin (netball), Ilaria Brandimarte (synchronised swimming)
University of Bath-based Lizzy became the most successful British Winter Olympian ever when she defended her skeleton title at the PyeongChang 2018 Games.
She couldn’t be at the awards, but in a recorded video message said: “Winning Sports Personality of the Year means a lot to me. I’ve called Bath my home for a long time and I’m really sad I can’t be with you to enjoy the night.”
