THE sporting contributions of Daniel Johnsey from Caldicot and Team GB rowing coach Robin Williams were recognised with awards at 2016 Wales Sport Awards.

Mr Johnsey, was awarded Young Coach of the Year for his work as a coach at Newport Seals Disability Swimming Club and on a transition project engaging young people from a small disability specific gym class into the mainstream fitness suite at Caldicot Leisure Centre.

Mr Williams who attended Monmouth Boys School and returns to hold some masterclasses was warded the Coach of the Year for his involvement in the 39 win streak of rowing pair Helen Glover and Heather Stanning who defended their gold medal at the Rio Olympics.

Mr Johnsey accepted his award at the ceremony held on the evening of Monday 7th December while Heather Stanning accepted the award for Mr Williams.

Mr Johnsey was hit by a car when he was 11 and told he would never walk again but was able to defy the odds and do so with the help of swimming.

He is now applying his personal drive to help others, he said: “I enjoy what I do because I like seeing the kids achieving and seeing them come on. I like giving back to the community.”

Speaking of Mr Williams Stanning said: “Robin is the unsung hero in our boat, for those who don’t know Helen and I have been undefeated for five years now and Robin is the mastermind behind it.

“I think 2014 was the year that made all three of us stronger as a team, Robin was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer but luckily he has recovered now.”

Talking about the gold medal Stanning said: “To defend the title is very very difficult and I think we were just utterly relived to have done it, not just for the hard work Helen and I put in but more for Robin.”