Thursday 13 June 2013 Olympic diver Hannah Starling has been named Young Achiever of the Year at the prestigious Sue Ryder Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards. The lower sixth student attended the awards lunch at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, where she was presented with the award in recognition of the exceptional contribution she has made, both in her sport and in the local community. As a member of the 2012 Team GB Olympic diving team, Hannah missed a place in the final by just 0.75 of a point and finished 13th overall. Since then Hannah has competed in the World Junior Diving championships in Australia, making history by winning the first ever medal for GB in the girls’ A springboard category by achieving bronze. She also won a silver medal in the 3m synchro diving event with her partner, Alicia Blagg, and went on to set a British diving record and a new personal best in the 2013 World Series. Away from sport, Hannah has been appointed an ambassador for Child Friendly Leeds to inspire others to make Leeds a better place for young people. She is also a talented singer and violinist, playing in the GSAL Symphony Orchestra and string quartet ‘No Strings Detached’. In her acceptance speech Hannah said: “Thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years: my parents who have taken me diving every single day, my coach for being amazing and supportive, the people who nominated me and everyone who has helped me get to where I am today.” Congratulations also to Karen Ward, GSAL Head of Business Studies, who was shortlisted in the Woman of Achievement in Education category. General Sixth Form News
