Northampton swimmer Robinson scoops big award

Robinson claimed a gold and a bronze medal at the Rio Paralympics during the summer, winning the S6 50m butterfly final with a Games record.

She saw off competition from Ospreys rugby player Keelan Giles and gymnast Amy Tinkler to win the BBC prize.

The 15-year-old follows in the footsteps of stars such as Andy Murray and Wayne Rooney, who have previously claimed the gong.

Robinson was presented with her award on BBC One’s The One Show on Wednesday evening.

“It’s been such an amazing year,” Robinson said.

“It’s been a surprising year, something I’ve not really expected.

“I only really started swimming properly about three years ago so it’s just gone so quickly.”

Earlier in the year, the Northampton High School pupil, won one silver medal and three bronze at the IPC European Championships.

Robinson, who has a form of dwarfism, was inspired by watching Great Britain team-mate Ellie Simmonds at the London Olympics in 2012.

“I watched Ellie Simmonds at the time I’d been told I might be quite good at swimming,” Robinson said. “She was definitely my main inspiration.”