Katrina Hughes

Katrina Hughes, 21, is one of the RYA's Performance squad sailors in the two-person 470 class, and is currently vying for selection to Team GB for 2012 with her helm Penny Clark. In a sport where the transition between Youth and Olympic level can be overwhelming, Katrina has shown great professionalism, and her tenacity and attention to detail underpins every aspect of her quest for success.  Battling back from injury and illness setbacks, Katrina and Penny have made rapid strides during 2011, claiming their first medal together - a silver - at the Miami World Cup event in January, a bronze at the French World Cup event and a fifth place at the European Championships.  A former Essex Young Ambassador, and now a Team Essex Ambassador for 2012, Katrina is a wonderful young role model, promoting grassroots sport in local sailing clubs and schools to hopefully inspire the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes within the county.