2002 FISA Awards Presented

The winners of the four 2002 FISA awards were announced on Saturday 16 November at the World Rowing Forum held in Milan, Italy .

Mike Spracklen, FISA Coach of the Year 2002
© FISA

Canadian men's coach Mike Spracklen was awarded the FISA Coach of the Year Award for 2002.  Spracklen, from Great Britain, coached the Canadian men's eight to a gold at the 2002 World Rowing Championships. "It’s great to have received this award. I know it must have been difficult to make this decision. Thank you for voting for me." he said upon receiving the award.

The award for FISA 2002 FISA Male Rower or Crew of the Year was presented to the World Champion men's pair of James Cracknell and Matthew Pinsent from Great Britain. In a note read out on their behalf during the ceremony, Cracknell and Pinsent wrote “we are very honoured to be the inaugural winners of this award.”

Rumyana Neykova – Female Rower of the Year 2002
© FISA

Single sculler Rumyana Neykova of Bulgaria was present in Milan to receive the 2002 FISA Female Rower or Crew of the Year award. The new mother from Sofia rowed to a gold medal and set a new world best time in the women's single at the 2002 World Rowing Championships. The athlete was delighted to receive this award said: “I’m very grateful for receiving this award, and I would like to thank all the people who have helped and supported me: my coach, my club, my federation and all the people who have supported me.” The award was presented by Tricia Smith, chair of the FISA women’s commission.

Klaus Filter receives Distinguished service to Rowing award, 2002
© FISA

FISA president Denis Oswald presented the 2002 FISA Distinguished Service to Rowing Award to master boatbuilder Klaus Filter of Germany. Filter is the former chairman of the FISA materials commission as well as being driving force behind the FISA boat collection programme. On receiving the award, Filter reminded all present that the most important thing is to enjoy the sport, and this must not be forgotten.

The medals were presented during the gala dinner that concluded the three-day World Rowing Forum held in Milan, Italy.