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VI World Champion Ben Quilter
has capped an unforgettable year by becoming the Freedom Leisure
Sussex Sports Personality of the Year.
The Brighton judoka, 29,
a two-time European Championship runner-up, become Britain’s first
visually impaired world champion in 12 years when he charged to
the IBSA VI world title in March.
Quilter, who finished fifth
at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, trains full-time at the British
Judo Performance Institute in Dartford.
The former Brighton Judo Club member
claimed his latest prize by seeing off competition from badminton
star Heather Olver and Sussex cricketer Michael Yardy.
©
Graham Franks
Jeff
Hart of sponsors Freedom Leisure presents Ben Quilter with Sports
Personality of the Year at the Sussex Sports Awards 2010, Hilton
Brighton Metropole’
“To have my achievements
and efforts recognised by winning this award is very humbling
and I have to recognise my support team of coaches, training partners,
friends and family who all have aided me in my career,” said Quilter.
“To win the world title
was a massive confidence boost coming up to the 2012 Paralympics.
I still want to improve and get even better and better, and make
sure I'm even further ahead of the field."
“What drives me now is
challenging to win gold at the London 2012 Paralympics in front
of a home crowd.”
Brighton Judo Club train
at 1-9 St James Garden, Sussex, BN2 1RU. Men and women train on
a Monday and Wednesday at 20:00 – 22:00 while kano members take
to the mat on a Friday at 18:30 – 19:30. Juniors follow on a Friday
at 19:30 – 20:30.
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