Cambridge Goalball star celebrated as Sarah Leiter named ‘Most Committed’ at TASS awards

Sarah Leiter, of Newnham College and the Cambridge Dons Goalball Club, has been named ‘Most Committed’ at the prestigious The TASS Stars Awards 2017.

Awarded at the IAAF World Championships, the accolade was judged by an independent panel including Olympic silver medallist Shelley Rudman, Paralympic gold medallist Danielle Brown and BBC Sport’s Joel Goldman.

Goalball was topped only by Athletics with three nominations for its athletes. Liam Hall, was included in the ‘Most Enterprising’ category and Antonia Bunyan joined Sarah in ‘Most Committed’. Just 17 athletes received nominations across five categories.

Goalball is the only Paralympic team sport designed specifically for the visually impaired. Played with raised markings on the floor, blindfolds are used to ensure an even playing field as players locate the ball through sound.

As a sportsperson on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), Sarah’s training has been linked to her PhD and medical studies at Newnham.

Having submitted her thesis on Clinical Biochemistry, Sarah recently returned her medical studies as part of an MB/PhD programme and hopes to pursue a career in genetics and rare disease research.

Sarah said: “The TASS support I have received in Cambridge over the past two years has been invaluable as I have juggled my studies as training for the GB women’s goalball team. I was honoured to be recognised by the.

We had a fabulous day out at the IAAF world championships. It was amazing to see three goalball players shortlisted as we are a small sport and as such really value the support received through TASS.

Mark Winder, CEO of Goalball UK, said: “We are proud of all three athletes who were finalists in the TASS Star Awards. Liam, Antonia and Sarah are brilliant role models within our sport. Their commitment is enormous and their talent to be recognised is truly deserved. With regards to Sarah’s award we are particularly pleased she has won.

“She is a wonderful person and truly committed to our sport and is someone to aspire to on and off the court.”