We honour our top athletes of 2008 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

We honour our top athletes of 2008

9:21am Wednesday 24th December 2008 in Sport By Simon Forde

Performance of the Year

Bingley Harrier Alistair Brownlee went to the Olympics in Beijing as newly-crowned world under-23 triathlon champion. He attacked the Olympic triathlon, and by the final 10km run was at the head of several breakaways, and was leading until the final two miles before finishing 12th.

Team of the Year

Ilkley Ladies have developed into one of the country’s strongest teams. They won their first national in the Vets cross-country relays at Mansfield and followed up by recently winning the Calderdale Way off-road relay. Individual women achieved fine performances, personal bests and club records, including Alison Bennett’s 39min 55sec to be first F45 home in the Abbey Dash 10k.

Highly commended mention of Bingley’s men’s and women’s fell teams, who both won British fell-relay championships in north Wales this autumn. And commendation to Bingley’s track-and-field team who were unbeaten in the North of England League Division 3WC.

Newcomer of the Year

Hardy Matamala, a Chilean former marine. He has come on leaps and bounds to represent the Yorkshire and Humber region in the Nottingham half-marathon in September. He has taken coaching badges and is an active member and trainer of the Airedale Athletics ’82ers squad at Horsfall. A highly commended mention to Karen Pickles, who broke through in the Yorkshire Vets series.

Junior of the Year

Bingley’s Josh Allan, an under-17 400m runner, won the Yorkshire and North of England Champ-ionships and finished the season ranked sixth in the country.

Volunteer of the Year

St Bede’s Mike Moss took over as chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber region of England Athletics and is now on the national board of the federation.

Coach of the Year

Shirley Woods, from Ilkley Juniors, has developed a vibrant junior section and organised valuable work within the community. She has set up the Wharfedale Primary Schools Cross-Country League, which attracts over 500 children.