Somerset College

Somerset College student Hannah Taunton was not only the first Under 20 female in the recent Hestercombe Humdinger Road Race, but was nominated, along with three other disabled athletes for the ’Young Somerset Sports Athlete of the Year’ award.   Her third success was on Sat 6th March,  where she was presented with a Gold medal for being the Under 20 Women's Champion in the Gwent League.  She ran for Taunton Athletic Club team and has been entered in 5 'Meets', in Bristol, Bath,Taunton, Bridgend and Brecon starting in November and finishing today. 

The awards event took place at the County Cricket Club on Monday 22 February and is sponsored by Team Somerset in support of young hopefuls for the Olympic/Paralympic Games in 2010.    Hannah was nominated by Jen Slade of SASP – The Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership.  She did not win the trophy but was delighted to be in the final group of nominees who were awarded a cheque as well as a sports bag and certificate.   At the Hestercombe race, Hannah won a trophy with a time of 1hr 12 minutes.

Hannah, who is on a Preparation for Work course at the College says: ‘It was very exciting to be nominated for the award and amazing to be given a cheque which will be useful for my next pair of trainers!.  The Hestercombe race was steep but very enjoyable – I even ran up the hill!’

Hannah also won a Gold medal in the 800m race at the National Disability Sports event at Blackpool in July 2009.

The photograph shows Hannah with her award.