Jaguar Academy Of Sport Awards: Who Won?

There were no real surprises at the 2012 Jaguar Academy of Sport Awards at The Savoy in London, hosted by David Walliams and Kirsty Gallacher, as Jaguar helped celebrate some of the most inspirational British sporting performances over the past year – and what a year it was.

‘Most Inspirational Sportswoman of the Year’ went to Olympic gold medal winning heptathlete and Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador Jessica Ennis who said: “I’ve had such a great evening and to win this award is fantastic. A lot of hard work went into winning that gold medal and I hope I have inspired people to not only continue in sport but seek new challenges.”

‘Most Inspirational Sportsman of the Year’ went to fellow London 2012 gold medallist, and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, who was “…delighted to win this award.  This year has been a really great one with some amazing successes and it’s great to be recognised for that by Jaguar.”

Maybe this is a foretaste for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which takes place later this month, as both Ennis and Wiggins are on the shortlist – or Bradley and Jessica as we have got to know them as British Sporting Personalities.

Also on the shortlist this year is athlete Mo Farah – he of the Mobot fame – and he didn’t leave The Savoy empty handed either, picking up the prestigious ‘Jump off the Sofa Moment’ award for that magical moment on what has become known as Super Saturday when he won the 5,000 metres. Even I watched that!

Obviously 2012 was a big year for disabled sportsmen and women too, and London 2012 gold medalist David Weir was awarded ‘Best British Sporting Performance for an athlete with a Disability.’ David actually won four gold medals at the Paralympics, another sporting event where Britain excelled.

‘British Sporting Performance of the Year’ went to cycling’s Team Sky for their outstanding achievements in 2012, culminating in Bradley Wiggins victory at the Tour de France. Dave Brailsford, General Manager, Team Sky and Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador commented: “Tonight has been great and it was an honour to collect the Best British Sporting Performance of the Year award on behalf of Team Sky. The Team has had a great 2012 and there are so many people that work so hard to get us where we are today.”

An award was also presented to the man without whom all the Olympic success would probably not have happened – not in this country anyway! The esteemed Jaguar Academy of Sport Patrons Award for Sporting Legacy went to Lord Coe whose was instrumental in not only bringing the Games to London, but working over 7 long years to make sure it was the success it was.

There were awards too for stars of the future as The Jaguar Academy of Sport Special Recognition Award 2012 went to rising stars Jack Walker, Joshua Ward-Hibbert, Samuel Ibbotson, Sophie Pyatt and William Deary, following in the footsteps of previous winner Jade Jones, who won an Olympic Gold in London in taekwondo.

Jade Jones, who was actually on of the 2010 Stars of the Future commented: “It’s great being back at the Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual Awards but this time as an Elite Member. Back in 2010, when I won a Special Recognition Award, I had Olympic gold in sight but to win it just two years on has been incredible. The Academy really supported me on my journey to gold and provided lots of support and advice. I congratulate all the Rising Stars and look forward to watching them compete in the future.”

Jack Walker Jaguar Academy of Sport Special Recognition Award Winner was thrilled: “I can’t believe I’ve won the top award this year out of 50 amazing Rising Stars. The programme has been fantastic and I’ve had opportunities I’ll never forget like a masterclass with Jonny Wilkinson. I can’t wait to make use of the one-to-one mentoring and continue on my journey to the top.”

The whole evening was hailed as a success by all attendees, and Geoff Cousins Jaguar’s Global Director of Sponsorship commented: “The Jaguar Academy of Sport really does celebrate British sporting talent and to see the winners this evening has been a real privilege. This has been one of the most significant and successful years in the history of sport in Great Britain, and I am proud that through the Academy, Jaguar is able to invest in our sporting talent of the future.”

Long may the Jaguar Academy of Sport continue, and long may Jaguar continue to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success.