Winner: Steve Davies
Finalists: Georgie Rutherford; Thomas Denham. Unsung hero: Brian Dobinson

STEVE DAVIES
Nominated by Howard Jones

VETERAN cyclist Steve Davies enjoyed one of the best years of his long career in 2009 picking up an impressive 20 medals.

His haul ranged from those on a local scale at the North- East divisional events to the World Masters Games, a quadrennial event similar to the Olympics, but with a minimum age requirement.

Steve returned from the World Masters Games, held in Sydney, with two golds, including a third successive pursuit title, plus a silver and a bronze.

Also in Australia, he claimed two more golds at the World Masters track cycling championships.

An insurance broker in Darlington, where he lives, the Ferryhill Wheelers Cycling Club member funds every competition himself.

Born in Aycliffe, he was a keen cricketer in his youth and initially cycled during his 20s and 30s. When Manchester Velodrome was opened, he came out of his 15-year retirement to start an exciting chapter in his career.

Nominator Howard Jones compares his achievements to the likes of the more famous Bradley Wiggins.

He says: “In more than 30 years with Ferryhill Wheelers, it has always been Steve’s ambition to be at the top of his sport and I don’t think there is any doubt that that is exactly where is at.

“He is a wonderful ambassador for the region and the town.”

GEORGIE RUTHERFORD
Nominated by Robin Rutherford

GEORGIE RUTHERFORD, world champion, has a special ring to it. In November last year, the 25-year-old triathlete was the tenth overall female at the World 70.3 Championships, in Clearwater, Florida, to lift the world title in her age group.

Her time of 4:15:52 was only 16 minutes slower than the world record, a small margin over a 70-mile course.

It was the pinnacle of a rewarding year for the president and founder member of Darlington Triathlon Club.

She set new course records winning the Cleveland Half Ironman at Ellerton Lake, Northallerton, and Sun City triathlon in Sunderland, and won the 70.3 Half Marathon event at on Exmoor.

Georgie also works for British Triathlon as a regional manager going into schools to promote the specialist sport. She trains three times a day, swims daily at the Dolphin Centre with Darlington Swimming Club and uses the Pulse Suite.

Nominator Robin Rutherford, Georgie’s father, says: “She is a Darlington girl who has used Darlington facilities to become a World Champion in her event.”

THOMAS DENHAM
Nominated by Brian Dobinson

THOMAS DENHAM could be a name you hear a little more of within the next two years.

Darlington’s teenage wrestler picked up more than 20 medals last year and is a member of the Great Britain elite wrestling team focussing on the 2012 London Olympics.

Thomas’ major successes included the British Championships, but he also enjoyed success in European events.

For his 2009 accolades, the Darlington Sports Winners Scheme also nominated him as young sports achiever of the year.

Nominator Brian Dobinson says: “Thomas works very hard and is totally dedicated to his sport. He is a mentor and inspiration to younger members of the club, and always helps out when they travel to away competitions.

“As a 17-year-old, Thomas has achieved so much and really does deserve to be recognised for his fantastic achievements in wrestling.”

BRIAN DOBINSON
Nominated by Emma Reah and Paul Foreman, Darlington Sports Development Team

"IT is difficult to do justice to Brian, in so few words, for what he does for Darlington and its young people.”

That is the praise heaped on Brian Dobinson by his nominators, Emma Reah and Paul Foreman.

Brian has been involved in sport in the town for 30 years, giving up thousands upon thousands of hours of his time on a voluntary basis.

At Hummersknott School, he has been involved with badminton for more than a decade. He has also carried out fundraising and coaching to support visits to Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and France.

He has been a key member of Haughton Cricket Club, where he was second team captain, bringing on an array of talented younger players.

On a Thursday evening during the summer, he is almost always found at the club.

And for the past 15 years, he has also been involved with the Darlington Sports Winner’s Scheme, securing thousands of pounds for the volunteer- led scheme and championing it himself.