The Tynedale Sports Council in south-west Northumberland, England awarded Colin Hill, the most innovative open water race director in the world, as its 2010 Sportsman of the Year and presented him with the Hexham Courant Trophy yesterday.

Sports council vice chairman Brian Tilley explained the background of the awards.

“The standard of achievement was particularly high this year, with the panel having a virtually impossible task to separate the nominees in some categories. We have world champions, European champions and British champions all enjoying success this year, but the awards are about more than that. We also recognise ‘David and Goliath’ local successes against the odds, and the contributions of those behind the scenes, without whom sports people would not be able to compete.”

Colin was certainly behind the scenes during the exciting – and difficult – times with the Great Swims as well as practicing the sport that he loves by swimming the English Channel, the Hellespont race in Turkey and races throughout the world.

Copyright © 2010 by Open Water Source