Olympic gold medallist Sophie Bray handed out accolades to the borough’s best athletes at the Kingston Sports Awards.

The Great British hockey star joined by host Abi Chamberlain, an ex-England sevens world series captain, as the guest of honour for the ceremony at the Guildhall on Monday night.

Awards were given to the borough’s longest serving coaches and triumphant athletes of the past year.

Bray won gold in Rio 2016 having honed her talent with Surbiton Hockey Club.

Kingston mayor Geoff Austin said: “It was my pleasure to be able to attend and present at the Kingston Sport Awards.

“I’m a firm believer that sport brings communities together and events like this celebrate the brilliant effort of individuals, coaches and teams alike.”

The winners were:

Eileen Gray Award (awarded to those who inspire others) - Jenny Archer MBE, coach to British paralympic wheelchair champion David Weir CBE, was celebrated for her dedication in promoting sport for those with disabilities and volunteering locally.

Team of the Year - Richard Challoner’s under 18 football team. For its outstanding performance in the Surrey Schools League. The under 18 football team was unbeaten in all their games and won the league as well as two regional cup finals.

The Mayor’s Trophy - Ann van Buekelen, of Kingston Royals Swimming Club. Ann is a coach and official who has been involved with Kingston Royals Swimming Club, and its predecessor Kingston Ladies Swimming Club, for a staggering 40 years.

Club of the Year - Kingston Athletics Club and Polytechnic Harriers. Scooped the top prize for having had a number of team successes, including winning the National Youth Development League for south west London.

Neil Desai Award (awarded to those under the age of 21 who give back to the community) - Craig Capon. A successful local judo coach, he was nominated by both peers and competitors alike. Craig has relentlessly supported Kingston’s London Youth Games judo representatives.  

Paralympic Sports Person of the Year - Toby Gold. The 100m, 200m and 400m record holder and second best in the world for these events. Toby won a silver medal in Rio 2016 and was the highest-ranked male wheelchair racer to bring home a medal.

Sports Achiever of the Year - Harry Deighton. Acknowledged having shown exceptional dedication to the sport of alpine ski racing, representing Great Britain at international level since the age of 13 - the youngest possible selection year.