Bootle-born Paralympian tennis player Jamie Burdekin scoops personality gong

Jul 2 2009 by Mark Johnson, Bootle Times

Jamie Burdekin with mother Gillian and family Karl, Claire and Stephen

JAMIE Burdekin won Sefton’s Male Sports Personality of The Year gong at the prestigious Sefton Sports Awards 2009.

The Bootle-born paralympic tennis star attended the ceremony fresh from winning the Czech Open singles and doubles.

He didn’t expect to win the Sefton award and was left stunned that he took the prize.

He told the Bootle Times: “I wasn’t expecting it to be honest. I thought I had a chance with the disabled award and when that went to a lad called Jack Spencer, I just thought that was that and I’ll enjoy the rest of the night.

“Then they announced me for the male personality awards and I was flabbergasted. It felt great.”

The last 12 months have gone from strength to strength for Burdekin who has seen his position improve from 14th in the world last year to sixth.

He added: “I’m feeling good. My game has improved: I have a new trainer and my serve has improved a lot.

“It’s the British Open in Nottingham for me next. Luckily, I’ll be seeded because I’m in the top eight so I should get through to the semi-finals because I will have stayed away from the big boys.

“My outlook now says that I want to be in the gym when my opponents are resting. I now enter the competitions and win.