EX-Matravers School student and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, gymnast Francesca Fox, has been named as Sports Personality of the Year at the Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Awards.
Athletes, sports clubs, volunteers and coaches across Wiltshire and Swindon were recognised for their exceptional achievements at the second Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Awards on 22nd September.
The prestigious event, hosted by former England rugby captain Phil de Glanville, also saw Francesca perform before the winners of the 13 categories were announced, along with winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Sport in Wiltshire award.
The 18-year-old rhythmic gymnast was recognised for her achievements which include winning a team bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India. She is now on the 2012 Olympics Pathway Squad.
Francesca is also the 2010 GB Open Apparatus Champion in rope and ball. She finished third overall in the 2010 GB Championships, second in the 2010 English Championships and using a hoop she is the 2010 English Champion. Francesca recently passed the first qualifier for the Olympic test event which all countries need to take part in to qualify for the 2012 Games.
Following the success of last year’s awards, the 2011 Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Awards was jointly hosted by Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Health Improvement Partnership, NHS Wiltshire, Wiltshire and Swindon Activity and Sports Partnership, Swindon Borough Council and Liquid Media Group.
Stuart Wheeler, Wiltshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for leisure and sport, said, “It was lovely to meet so many people who are involved in sport at this awards ceremony. It showcases the exceptional talent and hard work of athletes and the dedication of sports clubs, volunteers and coaches. Sport plays a major part in our health and wellbeing and is going to be even more in the spotlight in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.”
