Dami Bakare Wins Top Award

Dami Bakare was honoured as the British Olympic Association (BOA) singled out its top performing individuals in each of the 33 summer and winter Olympic sports.

Bakare was named on the list alongside fellow Olympic athletes and medal hopefuls Mo Farah, Alistair Brownlee and tennis star Andy Murray, to top off an exceptional year for the 6ft 5’’ GB opposite player.  

The Olympic Athlete of the Year award was conceived in 2005 to mark the BOA's centenary year as well as London being awarded the 2012 Games.

During 2011 Dami played 30 matches for the GB team, who won 13 games and pulled-off historic victories over China (WR:11) and Egypt (WR:14). But it was at the London Volleyball International Invitational, staged at Earls Court in July, where Dami showed his outstanding form to achieve the tournament’s top scorer with 78 points in five matches, ahead of Evan Patak (USA) with 76, and Wallace de Souza (BRA) with 67.

Bakare, who progressed through the GB Men’s Development Squad in Sheffield and now holds a professional contract with Belgian Club VC Argex Duvel Puurs commented, “This award came as a massive shock and I would never have known if I hadn’t received messages congratulating me. You could still say I'm unsure of the potential magnitude of this prize! There are names I've heard through media on the list and it's more than a privilege to be on it, but I don't see it as an award for myself – it’s for everyone that has added something to my game. So that means coaches, friends taking an interest and players I've played with and against because I wouldn't have reached the level I am today on my own.”

Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission and BOA Chief Executive, spoke : “The Olympic Athlete of the Year award celebrates the excellence of athletes who represent the very best of British talent in their respective Olympic sports. I wish all the award winners the very best as they enter the home straight of their preparations for London 2012, or continue their journey towards Sochi 2014.” 

Follow Dami on Twitter - @donlybakare

Further information about the award, including the full list of athletes honoured can be found on the BOA's website.

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Dami Bakare Wins Top Award