#kitesurf – Dublin based Kiteboarder Jade O'Connor was named 'Woman Of The Year 2014' at Outsider Magazines Awards last night. She had an outstanding year which saw her achieve eighth overall at the Worlds, fourth at the Europeans, and is the current British Ladies Champion. Jade competes in ISAF's Formula Kiteboarding Class which was showcased at ISAF Abu Dhabi Grand Finale last November, and is now included along side the 10 Olympic Classes at future ISAF World Cup events.
Jade said "I'm over the moon' to collect the award. It's a huge honour in light of the amazing achievements of the other athletes and adventurers nominated. This kicks my 2015 race season off with a bang of good energy". Having recently added goldenpages.ie as sponsors along side PureMagic she is excited to mount a full campaign representing Ireland at ISAF and Championship events this year. Her first event is Palma's SAR Princesa Sofia Regatta in March, which is a pre-qualifier for Sailing World Cup Hyeres the following Month.
The Outsider Magazine Awards showcases Athletes, Adventurers, Photographers, Videographers, Event Organisers and Adventure Companies who complete incredible feats or contribute to outdoor life on home soil or abroad. It's a celebration of the diversity and outdoor achievement, binding many individuals under a common banner of striving to do great things in their chosen field.
Some of the people honoured this year include -
Person of the Year 2014 - Tony Mangan, ultra runner
He ran the whole way around the world and longer than anyone else has ever run. His feat is the equivalent of 1,200 marathons.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Maurice Mullins
Pioneer, forward thinker, influencer, legend; all words used to describe Maurice Mullins, the man who introduced triathlon events to Ireland.