Plymouth College pupil, Ruta Meilutyte, 16, has been named Sports Personality of the Year in the Herald Sports Awards. Ruta was announced the winner at a glittering ceremony at Plymouth Pavilions, which was attended by more than 400 people and was hosted by Sydney Olympic rowing gold medallist, Ben Hunt-Davis.
After achieving Olympic gold for Lithuania in the 100m breaststroke at the tender age of 15 in London 2012, Ruta has gone on take the World Champion crown and break three world records. She also won the Champagne Moment award.
Former Plymouth College swimmer, Ben Proud, 18, walked away with Amateur Sports Personality of the Year for breaking the British 50m butterfly record that had been held for 10 years by Mark Foster. It came as no surprise to see Plymouth College Director of Swimming and Plymouth Leander Head Coach, Jon Rudd, crowned Coach of the Year. Plymouth Leander was Team of the Year.
Current pupil, Grace Vertigans, 17, who won silver for Great Britain at the Junior World Championships was a runner up in the Junior Sports Personality of the Year category. Former pupil Henry Slade, 20, who has just been selected for the England Saxons squad, was a Champagne Moment runner up for kicking the England U20s to victory in the Junior Rugby World Cup. Ben Proud was also a runner up in this category.
Plymouth College sponsored the Good Sport, Fair Play, Respect Award.
“I was very proud to see Plymouth College and its extended community feature so strongly in these prestigious Awards”, said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton. “Sport is very much part of the fabric of life at Plymouth College and we encourage participation from those wanting to test the water with something new through to nurturing those at the top of their game.”