Published: 10 November, 2011
by CHARLIE TALBOT-SMITH

Sprint queen Desiree Henry was the toast of Twickenham on Thursday after being honoured for her sporting achievements in 2011 at the Aviva School Sport Matters Awards

THE City and Islington College pupil was highly commended in the Female Sports Student of the Year award at a star-studded ceremony at the home of English rugby.

The 16-year-old joined a host of Olympic and Paralympic legends past and present, including James Cracknell, Tim Brabants, Gail Emms, Duncan Goodhew and David Weir.

Conceived in 2004, School Sport Matters highlights exemplary practice in physical education and sport in schools across the country.

And Desiree, who stormed to 200m gold at July’s World Youth Championships in France, admitted her Twickenham experience was a day she’ll never forget.

“Winning this award feels absolutely amazing and it is another one to add to my collection and I hope to make it bigger in the future,” she said.

“There are a lot of good people here who have done a lot to deserve an award so I am just really pleased and privileged that I have been recognised.

“Ever since I won 200m gold in France back in July the time has just flown and that went some way to me getting this award, I am sure.

“The experience in France was amazing because I wasn’t use to competing against international guys.

But I enjoyed it as I went faster than I thought and defied all the odds as I wasn’t predicted to come first.

“Next year, I will be looking towards the World Junior Championships in Barcelona and hopefully I can build on my success there.”

Desiree received her award from 2004 Olympic silver medalist badminton star Gail Emms.

And Gail, who also won mixed doubles gold at the 2006 World Championships alongside Nathan Robertson, was quick to praise the performances of former St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls pupil Desiree.

“The School Sports Matters Awards are a brilliant way for young people to gain recognition for the efforts they’ve put in, not only in school but also to sport in school too,” she said.

“All the guys here deserve it and Desiree is no different. They are a great example of what young people can do and I hope this is just the start for them.

“These awards are such a great idea and I think more needs to be done to recognise the achievements of young people, and this is such a great day out for them all.”

• The Aviva and Daily Telegraph School Sport Matters Awards recognise outstanding achievements in school sport across the country, as part of Aviva’s wider commitment to support the next generation of British talent. For more info go to aviva.co.uk/athletics