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The British Judo Association
(BJA) has awarded judoka James Millar the 2008 Olympic Athlete
of the Year trophy. The award, voted for by the BJA Board, is
presented to the athlete they felt has produced the most outstanding
performances throughout the year.
The award was introduced
to each of the 35 Olympic Governing bodies in 2005 to mark the
British Olympic Association’s Centenary Year and the awarding
of the 2012 Olympic Games to London.
James narrowly missed
out on a place in the Beijing Olympic team having enjoyed great
success in the run up to the Games. His achievements included
winning bronze at the Prague World Cup, gold at the Tbilis World
Cup and silver at the Rotterdam Super World Cup, which placed
him 4th in the rankings at the end of the qualification period.
These results would
have normally earned James Olympic selection, as a top 9 finish
is required to qualify. However as Craig Fallon finished higher
in the rankings, and with only one British place available, James
missed out on an Olympic call up.
Despite the disappointment,
James’ performances continued to impress with a bronze medal win
at the 2008 Senior German Open and a silver at the Norwegian World
Cup.
After being informed
that he had won the award James said “I was extremely disappointed
not to go to the Games, and I am very surprised to have received
this award but to be voted for by the BJA Board of Directors is
quite an honour”
James follows Beijing
Olympians Craig Fallon, and Euan Burton who have won the award
in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
Having received the
award James has been invited to celebrate his achievements at
the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
James will be officially
presented with the award in early 2009.
© David
Finch
Millar
in action at the 2007 World Championships
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Media Contact
James Sills
01509 631671
jamessills@britishjudo.org.uk
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