Four athletes who train at Sheffield International Venues’ facilities have been recognised by The British Olympic Association (BOA) for their outstanding performances in 2009.

World Bobsleigh Champion Nicola Minichiello, 2012 boxing hopeful Martin Ward, Beijing gold medalist Paul Goodison and GB women’s volleyball star Lynn Beattie have been named as BOA Olympic Athlete of the Year Winners.

The group all use sports facilities in the city which are operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV).

Nicola Minichiello, who combined with Gillian Cooke to win world gold at Lake Placid in February, trains at the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield (EIS Sheffield) and iceSheffield.

Martin Ward is part of the British Boxing Association’s GB Podium and Development Squads, and Lynn Beattie is a member of the GB women’s squad, which are all based at EIS Sheffield.

Sailing star Paul Goodison uses the EIS sports sciences and support services at the state-of-the-art facility in Attercliffe.

Lorenzo Clark, director of operations for SIV, said: “Having four SIV athletes on the list of award winners is great recognition for our facilities and the fantastic work taking place to support and develop these sports men and women in their quest for sporting success.

“After such a strong Olympics in Beijing followed by the World Championships in Germany, it is even more of an achievement for these athletes to be recognised on a national level for their quality and commitment.

“They are great ambassadors for their sports and SIV and we wish them all the best of the luck as they continue their preparations for London and beyond.”

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has announced the full list of 29 recipients of the 2009 Olympic Athlete of the Year trophy, which included Phillips Idowu for athletics, Chemmy Alcott for skiing and Andy Murray for tennis.

The award was introduced in 2005, to mark the BOA’s Centenary Year and the success of London being awarded the 2012 Olympic Games. The BOA presented a trophy to each of the 33 summer and winter Olympic sports for them to award on an annual basis to their top performing athlete of the year.

Football, Handball, Ice Hockey, Rowing and Table Tennis are yet to announce their Olympic Athlete of the Year for 2009.