Medway Sports Awards winners 2016

mpanting@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 00:00, 30 December 2016 | Updated: 11:25, 12 January 2017

Maddie Hinch was named sportsperson of the year at last Friday’s Medway Sports Awards.

The 28-year-old finished third at the Medway Sports Awards two years ago but Hinch’s penalty shoot-out heroics at the Rio Olympics which saw Great Britain win gold, were enough to take top spot this time around.

Hinch said: “Of course it meant a lot to me. I’ve been up for a lot of nominations this year, it has been mental, so to be nominated out of a team performance is extra special.

Maddie Hinch, centre, collects her award from University of Kent Sport's Graham Holmes and Charlotte Evans, the 2014 winner. Picture: Andy Jones

“As a keeper you do get the limelight sometimes but you also spend a lot of time just standing there.”

The awards, expertly hosted by 5 live’s Eleanor Oldroyd, saw sporting talent across Medway recognised during an excellent evening at MidKent College.

Guest of honour was double Olympic gold medal winner Max Whitlock while other guests included Charlotte Evans and Kate French.

Paul Nihill, who competed in four Olympics and won racewalking silver in 1964, became the fourth person inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Anchorians Hockey Club picked up the Medway Messenger-sponsored club of the year award while Unsung Hero Jackie Hubbard was overwhelmed after years of dedication to the sport of korfball were recognised.

Team of the Year
GOLD Holcombe Hockey Men’s First XI
SILVER Medway Ladies RFC
BRONZE Medway Dragons Ladies

Team of the Year - Holcombe Hockey Club Mens 1sts. Picture: Andy Jones

Junior Team of the Year
GOLD Pilgrim School Table Tennis Team
SILVER Rainham Mark Under-13 Girls Handball Team
BRONZE Hollands and Blair Hurricanes