Rebecca Cooke was named Glasgow Sportsperson of the Year at a dinner last Friday night hosted by Glasgow City Council. The British long course 1500m freestyle record holder and Bronze 800m World Championships medallist was well deserving of the prize.

On receiving the award Rebecca said, "It's a fantastic honour to be given this award. When I look at the names of the previous winners on the trophy I feel really proud to have joined them. I hope I can go on and achieve more in the coming year".

Rebecca is on a sports scholarship at the University of Glasgow and has achieved highly during her career, which has also included three British short course titles (all in new records) and 1st at World student games. She remains on course for next year's Summer Olympics.

"Since coming to the University of Glasgow Rebecca has worked closely with a number of staff through the University sports scholarship programme. I am thrilled that Rebecca has received the Sportsperson of the Year Award, her efforts over the last year have been truly outstanding. We are extremely excited about her achievements to date and continue to wish her every success in the future", said Kenneth Reekie, Sport Development Officer, University of Glasgow.

Last year, winner Lee McConnell joined the long list of sporting greats that have been crowned Glasgow Sportsperson of the Year. Lee joined in the celebrations at the Radisson Hotel on Friday night along with a number of sports personalities including Olympic Medallist, Roger Black who was the guest speaker.

This year's awards celebrate the city's reign as European Capital of Sport 2003. The winners were decided by a panel of judges headed by the Lord Provost, Liz Cameron, following consultation with sporting bodies, clubs, schools and the media.

The Glasgow Sportsperson of the Year Awards is an exclusive opportunity to celebrate the year's high points while honouring those who made the year memorable.

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For further information please contact Judith or Kate in the University press office Tel: 0141 330 3535.

First published: 10 November 2003