Bessonova and Podkopayeva Honoured in Ukraine (19th December, 2005)

Anna Bessonova, who won six silver medals at the 2005 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Baku, was named ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ at the Ukrainian Sport Awards, held on 17 December in Kiev.

1996 Olympic champion Lilia Podkopayeva won the ‘Sportsmanager of the Year’ award for organising the international festival ‘Golden Lily’. Originally a small competition in her hometown of Donetsk, the event has branched out to become a show case for many sports and entertainment acts in the Ukrainian capital. This year it no longer featured a gymnastics competition but covered a wide range of sports including bodybuilding and a demonstration by Shaolin Monks.

Sailing world champions Rodion Luka and Georgi Leonchuk won the title of ‘Sportsman of the Year’ while the national football team was named ‘Team of the Year.’