Triathlon toast of the town

Triathlon was the toast of the town at the Leeds Sports Awards with a number of accolades being bestowed upon Leeds Met students and coaches.

The Leeds Sports Awards celebrate sporting performance in 2009 and Leeds Met student Alistair Brownlee picked up the Sportsman of the Year award following a year of glittering success.  The 21 year old, who is studying for an MSc in Finance, won all five ITU Triathlon World Championship Series races in which he competed and was crowned 2009 World Champion in September.

Alistair and his brother Jonathan, who was highly commended in the same category, are coached by Jack Maitland and Malcolm Brown, who also were recognised for their part in the sport's growing success, jointly picking up the Coach of the Year award.

Speaking after the ceremony Head of Triathlon at Leed Met Jack Maitland commented: "Alistair had a quite outstanding run of success last year but the foundations were built over a long period and numerous people had contributed to that pathway. Therefore it is particularly pleasing that the judges made a joint award to Malcolm and myself in recognition of the fact that coaching at this level is often a team effort"

Malcolm Brown added: "It's particularly pleasant to receive an award from your home town and people you see and work with on a regular basis.  Having worked with both the Brownlee brothers for a number of years, this is great recognition for them and their sport."

Former Leeds Met student Sir Ian McGeechan picked up a lifetime achievement award for his services to rugby, whilst Leeds Met graduate Kevin Sinfield picked up the player of the year award following the Leeds Rhinos highly successful campaign.

Former student Clare O Hara was a runner up in the Sportswoman of the year award whilst gymnast Ashley Watson, who trains at Headingley campus was triumphant in the Junior Sportsman of the year award. 

The Team of the Year award went to Leeds Carnegie Ladies after they lifted the FA League Cup last week, beating Everton 3-1 in the final.  Leeds Met students and synchronised divers Carol and Helen Galashan were highly commended in the same category.