THE incredible David Finney has reached the finals of the BBC’s Sports Unsung Hero award – and will now appear at the glittering Sports Personality of the Year event at Birmingham’s Genting Arena next Sunday, December 18.
With stars like Alistair Brownlee, Laura Kenny, Jamie Vardy and Mo Farah present, David, aged 84, will be rubbing shoulders with the great and good of British sporting heroes.
But the unassuming Church Hill resident, who will undergo a cataract operation just three days before the event, is unlikely to be fazed by his exalted company.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have got this far, but there’s no one I particularly want to meet, however I was very pleased to receive the Midlands award from Katherine Merry (the fastest 400m runner in the world in 2001) which was wonderful,” said David.
Swimming coach David was nominated by fellow coach Sue Robinson of The Bridge Swimming Club which meets at the Kingsley Sports Centre.
Last Wednesday he won the Midlands heat of the BBC’s Sports Unsung Hero award, held at Villa Park which propelled him into the national final.
“We were mega impressed – we knew he stood a good chance against the others but to win was just overwhelming,” she said.
“What a journey we’ve been on too – he was happy just to be nominated but as a result we been on TV and been interviewed on radio – we had no idea how big it would get.
“But win or lose he has taught thousands of children to swim and I think that is reward enough for him.”
In an interview with the BBC Sport shortly after receiving his award David said: “It’s a pleasure passing on skills, whether swimming, badminton, cricket or football, it was so gratifying just to be nominated.
“There are so many other people all very deserving of this award who have never even been nominated.”
