The man the Wales rowing team have to thank for their growing success has been voted the best coach in Wales.

Damian Hammond received the Sports Council for Wales Coach of the Year 2002 award at a ceremony at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff on Tuesday.

Hammond, who lives in Penarth, has been a rowing coaching for 11 years but took up the helm of Welsh rowing in 1999.

Since taking up the post, the team has made a big impact on the world stage.

In 1999, there were four Welsh rowers in Great Britain teams, but that number has steadily grown partly thanks to Hammond's commitment and dedication.

This year, Wales caused a stir at the Commonwealth Championships, winning a record 12 medals.

One of his recent success stories is Elite Cymru rower Kirsten McClelland-Brooks, who has been making history this season.

The Monmouth-based rower, despite racing against Olympic medallists, became the first ever British woman to win a lightweight single sculls World Cup medal.

Brooks, 31, scooped the top title at the Lucerne International Regatta in Switzerland and also grabbed gold at the Commonwealth Championships.

Other coaches collecting awards were:

Female Coach of the Year - Rachel Hughes (gymnastics).

Male Coach of the Year - Keith Barrow (swimming).

Coach to Disabled Sportspeople - David James (ice hockey).

Coach to Juniors - Colin Daley (athletics).

Welsh Association of Local Sport Council's Coach of the Year - Yvonne Owen (gymnastics).