A WOMAN from Winchester has taken home gold at a prestigious sports awards event beating off competition including a member of her own club.

Emma Back, director at Winchester Fit for the Future, was awarded gold in the Parent of the Year category at this year’s Kellogg’s ASA Swimtastic Awards at a ceremony at the Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre in Birmingham two weeks ago.

Ms Back was nominated by Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club for her efforts to secure a new sports and leisure facility in the city.

As reported in the Chronicle earlier this month, Alison Crompton took bronze in the same category for her voluntary work at the club over the last nine years.

Ms Back was commended for her work and dedication in trying to secure sustainable and accessible community sports facilities for swimming, netball, basketball, gymnastics and athletics. Emma has worked on the project for more than two years, talking to the community, clubs, schools, the University of Winchester, national governing bodies and sports facility experts.

Glenn Shepherd, chief aquatics officer at Winchester Penguins, said “Emma really is an inspiration to us all. Her motivation is unmatched and she merits greater acknowledgement for all her hard work. She fully deserves this Parent of the Year Award”.