Sarah Claxton declared herself ‘overjoyed’ to have won her home town’s Premier Sports Award.

The 29-year-old world top-eight 100-metre hurdler was honoured at last night’s Sport Colchester Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

The prestigious ceremony – first held over 30 years ago to reward the hard work and achievements of the town’s leading sportsmen and women – was sponsored by the Gazette and held at the Moot Hall.

And it proved a very successful night for Claxton, who was chosen for her outstanding achievement during 2008.

She said: “This award has capped a great year for me.

“It’s my first one and I feel very privileged to be recognised by the people in my home town of Colchester.

“I have attracted a lot of attention since reaching the hurdles final at the Beijing Olympics last summer.

“So many people are now recognising me now and are coming up to me to say well done.

“And I feel greatly honoured to be rewarded in this way.”

Currently living in Enfield and training at Picketts Lock, the Woodford Green club athlete and Colchester and Tendring Athletic Club life member said her achievements are a good yardstick for any young sports enthusiast to aim for.

“I see myself as a role model for any youngster in Colchester looking to take up athletics,” she said.

“With a lot of hard work, the right support and backing, everything can be within their reach if they want it badly enough.”

Her Olympic final exploits, backed up by an appearance in the World Indoor Championships semi-finals and a near new British record, have also been rewarded by new funding for the former Monkwick-based ex-Thomas Lord Audley School pupil.

With her eyes already focused towards the 2012 London Olympic Games, Claxton said: “Although I’m still working part-time, I met the criteria to be awarded the funding in December.

“And I’m now working hard and looking forward to the European Indoor Championships in Turin in March and the World Outdoor Championships in Berlin in August.

“Reaching an Olympic final was a dream of mine since I was a tiny young girl.

“I will be four years older when the London Olympics come round and that is my major aim.

“But if the Beijing Games are to be my last Olympics at least I can say I got to the final.”

Claxton, who was unable to attend last night’s ceremony, celebrated her Premier Award with second place and a season’s best time – behind favourite Lolo Jones – in the 60m hurdles at the Indoor Aviva International at Glasgow on Saturday.

For coverage of the event, see the Gazette on Tuesday and Thursday.