Tina Cook, who scooped two bronze medals at her Olympic debut in Beijing 2008, has been awarded the 2009 Olympic Athlete of the Year trophy in the equestrian category.
The award, which was introduced in 2005 to mark the BOA’s centenary year and the success of London being awarded the 2012 Olympic Games, is presented to the top performing athletes in each of the summer and winter Olympic sports.
“I feel very honoured and surprised,” Tina told H&H. “The Olympics were very special for me.”
“These awards recognise the quality, focus and commitment of athletes who represent the very best of British talent in their respective Olympic sports,” explained Andy Hunt, British Olympic Association (BOA) Chief Executive.
The award tops a stellar year for Tina, who won gold medals in both the team and individual competition in the 2009 European Eventing Championships in Fountainebleau.
Fittingly, her Olympic ride Miners Frolic, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Embricos and Mrs. Pelham, has been named Olympic Horse of the Year.
