Leeds Met's Alistair Brownlee has been named 2009 Olympic Athlete of the Year and British Triathlon Male Athlete of the Year.

Alistair, who is studying for an MSc in Finance, is hotly tipped for medal success in the 2012 Olympics, is based at the University's Headingley Campus and is coached by Carnegie Director of Sport Malcolm Brown and Director of Triathlon, Jack Maitland.

The 21 year old commented after receiving his award at the British Triathlon Annual Awards Dinner held on Saturday: "It's fantastic; it's great to win all these awards."

His clutch of awards round off a year of glittering success, during which he won all five ITU Triathlon World Championship Series races and was crowned World Champion in September this year, placing him at number one in the world triathlete rankings.

Andy Hunt, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association said: "Alistair Brownlee has had an incredible season, winning five ITU World Championship Series races and ultimately the World Championship title.

"His attitude and commitment to the sport is inspiring. With no fewer than four medals, including two World Champions from the ITU Triathlon World Championships in Australia, the future of triathlon looks bright in the run up to London 2012 Olympic Games."

Alistair was introduced to triathlon at a young age by his uncle Simon, who regularly competed in the sport. As a junior, he was a successful fell and cross country runner, winning the Yorkshire County title on several occasions.