The youngsters were presented with the first Sophie Hosking Legacy Award.
Two of Merton’s finest young sporting hopefuls were delighted to receieve a prestigious new award last week.
Lily Walters, 13, and Dexter Razzell, 10, were presented with the Sophie Hosking Legacy Award by Mayor of Merton Krystal Miller amid cheers from the Merton Saints BMX Club who spotted their potential and put them forward.
Wimbledon’s Sophie Hosking MBE won gold at the 2012 Olympics for the women’s lightweight double sculls and is the proud owner of a golden postbox in Worple Road. The Kingston Grammar School alumni started playing sport herself at the age of 14.
“Lily and Dexter embody everything this award is about,” said Councillor Miller.
“They have shown the willingness and determination to practise and become better at the sport they love, congratulations to them both.”
Lily and Dexter both began as beginners and rapidly progressed to expert BMX bike riders representing Merton at the London Youth Games last year.
The games have been the preliminary point for some of Great Britain’s finest athletes including Double Olympic Medallist Mo Farah who took part in the event when he was in school.
Thirty-two boroughs in London will be going head to head on Sunday June 8 where Merton will be the official host of the London Youth Games BMX event. Entrance is free to spectators along with free classes available for the over 14’s every Monday at the BMX Track so aspiring kids can put their skills to the test.
Merton’s cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said Lily and Dexter are worthy winners of the Sophie Hosking Legacy award.
“I hope they inspire other young people to excel in sports,” he said.
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