Windsurfer Natalie enjoys a year of sporting success

Oct 29 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

QUARTER windsurfer Natalie McWilliams completed her 2009 season on a high at the weekend when she was given first prize in her 6.8 metre class in the North East of England Windsurfing Series.

To achieve this result Holy Cross pupil Natalie (14) had to compete in four separate events over the course of the summer, two of which were held at Derwent Reservoir in County Durham.s

The other events in the series took place at Kielder Water in Northumberland and St Mary’s Loch in the Scottish Borders.

At the weekend Natalie also competed in a fun event at Derwent where she was the youngest competitor in her mixed male and female group.

Although she has gained many trophies in recent months, the one accolade she will treasure is the Phil O’Donnell Award for Sporting Excellence, which was presented to her at the Holy Cross High Awards earlier this month in recognition of her success.

Despite some really tough opposition, Natalie finished third.

It has been a very exciting year for Natalie, who only took up the sport three years ago. She said: “I would encourage other South Lanarkshire youngsters to give the sport a try, as I feel that they would fall in love with the excitement of travelling across the water at speed, powered by nature.”

Natalie will train over the winter months at the Scotland Watersports Centre at Millport, and at Largs Sailing Club.