Goodison awarded

Laser Gold medallist is BBC Yorkshire Sports Personality of the Year

Tuesday December 9th 2008, Author: Karenza Morton, Location: United Kingdom
Paul Goodison capped his remarkable 2008 by being named BBC Yorkshire’s Sports Personality of the Year last night.

Rotherham-raised Goodison picked up the award at the ceremony in Bradford after his Laser class gold medal at Beijing 2008 was chosen as Yorkshire’s sporting highlight of the year by the panel of eight judges.

The 31-year-old Skandia Team GBR star, who was born in Sheffield and is a lifelong Sheffield United fan, was presented with his award by Blades boss Kevin Blackwell.

Goodison, who now lives and trains in Weymouth, admitted it was a proud night for both he and his parents who accompanied him to the event.

Goodison said: “I was definitely feeling like a proud Yorkshireman, to win the award was fantastic but it was extra special as Yorkshire isn’t really known for being a hotbed of sailing, so for the sport to be recognised as well was brilliant.

“It was quite emotional as they showed a lovely montage from the Olympics and it showed my mum crying and my dad crying and my cousin crying! I was welling up a bit.”

As well as his Olympic success, Goodison also won his fourth successive European Championship crown in 2008 as well as triumphing at March’s Princess Sofia Trophy Regatta in Palma.

Meanwhile, Skandia Team GBR sailors have also been impressing Down Under at the Sydney International Regatta.

Consistency was the key for Ali Young as the 21-year-old Development Squad talent secured women’s Laser Radial victory by four points from two-time ISAF Youth World champion Gabrielle King (AUS). Fellow Brit Andrea Brewster finished in sixth.

An impressive five wins from their 10 races, with a discard of a second, also ensured Paul Campbell-James and Mark Asquith walked off with the 49er title five points ahead of reigning World Champion helm Nathan Outteridge, sailing with Euan McNicol.

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