Four times Olympic gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent has selected 16 year old rower Phillip Clapp from Maidenhead Rowing Club to be the "Taut 100 Sportsperson of the Month" as one of Britain's brightest young sporting hopefuls.
Phil has been recognised for his achievements in the single scull and with his induction into the Taut 100 (an initiative from Taut Sports Drink with the Charity SportsAid that supports rising sports stars across the UK) has been awarded a £1,500 grant plus a profile on Sky Sports News to help him on his way to the top.
Every month, the committee led by Sir Matthew Pinsent selects a winner who receives a cash prize and a spot on Sky Sports News. At the end of the year a "Taut 100 Sportsperson of the Year" will be selected and receive £5,000, plus training equipment from Concept 2.
TIPPED FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
Phil is one of Britain's most promising young rowers, winning the Junior European Championships in 2006 against an U18 field, as well as the Junior Great Britain trials in Boston, Lincolnshire, recently.
Phil says: "Matthew Pinsent is one of my heroes, so to be picked as the Taut 100 Sportsperson of the Month is a real honour. The funding will help with training and kit costs and help me reach my goal of being selected for the GB Munich International Regatta in May."
Knowing what it takes to become a top sportsman himself, Sir Matthew Pinsent is well aware of how important recognition is to future success, whether it be from the public, sporting bodies or potential sponsors. It was for this reason that Sir Matthew and Taut, the first clean sports drink, decided to set up this initiative with SportsAid.
Sir Matthew Pinsent said, "Phillip is a great example of why the Taut 100 scheme was set up, as it gives grass roots athletes the opportunity to show case their talent and boost their confidence. Already beating U18 rowers, Phillip has shown total dedication and motivation to rowing and is definitely one to watch for the future. He more than deserves the support and recognition that we aim to bring through the scheme."
Phillip, who? is 6' 9" tall, started rowing at the age of 11 (when he'd already grown to 6ft!) and has since developed it into his passion with the support and dedication of both his family and school, Claire's Court in Maidenhead. Phillip trains with coach Tom Jost at Maidenhead Rowing Club for up to 3 hours per day, 6 days a week with Friday being his only rest day. In spite of this tough regime, he managed to pass 10 GCSE's last summer with 8 at A grade. For a behind the scenes look at Phillip's way of life check out: http://www.taut.co.uk/taut100/?p=24.
For more information log onto http://www.taut100.co.uk/
Notes :
1. The Taut 100 is supported by Taut, the UK's first clean sports drink. Unlike other sports drinks, it contains no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, no preservatives and no E numbers. For more product information, check out www.taut.co.uk
2. If you'd like any more information further about the Taut 100 initiative, please contact:
Liz Barneby: 020 7812 0676,
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