Ellie Robinson wins BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2016
Swimmer Ellie Robinson has been announced as BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2016.
Published: 14 December 2016
Gymnast and former winner of the award, Claudia Fragapane, presented Ellie with her trophy live on BBC One’s The One Show this evening.
The Young Sports Personality award is now the latest addition to an already bulging trophy cabinet after a phenomenally successful 2016 for the Northampton youngster.
At the Rio Games, Ellie set a new Paralympic record when she took gold in the S6 50m butterfly. At just 15-years-old, she also won bronze in the S6 100m freestyle, breaking a British record in the process and has been described as a “great role model to both able-bodied and para-athletes”.
Earlier in the year, Ellie celebrated success at the IPC European Championships, when she brought home one silver (S6 50m butterfly) and three bronze medals (S6 50m, S6 100m and S6 400m freestyle).
Ellie beat off stiff competition for the award in an original list of 10 which included Ellie Downie (gymnastics), Keelan Giles (rugby union) Sophie Ecclestone (cricket), Tom Hamer (para-swimming), Lauren Rowles (para-rowing), Georgia Stanway (football), Jess Stretton (para-archery), Rebekah Tiler (weightlifting), Amy Tinkler (gymnastics).
Keelan and Amy also joined Ellie in the shortlisted top three for the award.
The BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year is awarded to an outstanding young sportsperson who was aged 17 or under on 1 January 2016.
The winner was selected by a panel, from nominations made to the BBC and by sports governing bodies via the Youth Sport Trust and in partnership with Blue Peter.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year takes place on Sunday 18 December at 6.40pm live on BBC One. Tickets are on sale now priced at £45 and £25 plus admin fees. Purchase online from www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 33 88 222.
For voting criteria on all awards please visit bbc.co.uk/sportspersonality
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