KELVIN Young enjoyed a bit of “payback” over David Howell after being voted the Advertiser Sportsman of the Year 2013.

Golfer Howell was named number one in the Adver’s Top 100 in December, with IBO Inter-Continental super middleweight champion Young just behind him in second place, but the boxer got his own back on Thursday night when he was nominated the region’s top male sporting figure at the awards ceremony at the Four Pillars Hotel.

He was delighted to receive the award, thanking the local public for backing him.

“I was first in the Adver at 11 years and if you’d told me then that I’d be winning this award I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.

“I didn’t expect that. When there was a top 100 I came second and it was an honour to be number two but to win this tonight is a big achievement for me.

“I have to thank everyone in Swindon who has supported me along the way. When I had the chance to fight for the IBO Inter-Continental I couldn’t believe it.

“I saw David Howell won the top 100 so this is a bit of payback. I’ve got good following in Swindon and it’s great to have this from a public vote.”

Young’s success in the ring gave Swindon its first ever IBO Inter-Continental champion in December.

The Penhill boxer saw off the challenge of Bulgarian challenger Alexey Ribchev under the glare of the Oasis Leisure Centre lights, with Young winning on a unanimous decision from the judges following a gruelling 10-round contest.

“I think I won four or five of the later rounds. He got off to a good start but he did say he was going to knock me out within three. I finished strong. I was nearly in tears, it was a big, big night for me and one I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”

Former Swindon Tigershark swimming star Jazz Carlin scooped the Adver’s Sportswoman of the Year award.

She pipped fellow swim star Tilly Gray, para-dressage veteran Anne Dunham and eventer Laura Collett to the title.

Carlin’s fine year saw her grab three titles at the British Gas Swimming Championships in the 400m, 800m and 1500m.

The 23-year-old was unable to attend the awards because she is currently warm-weather training in Marseille but her parents were on hand to collect the award on her behalf.

Speaking after collecting the award Carlin’s mum Mary said: “Absolutely amazed, she’s so proud and ever so grateful for all the support she has from everyone in Swindon and the Swindon Advertiser, who are always in contact with her.

“Really a good honour for her to be representing Swindon. So proud of her anyway and for her to be given this is the icing on the cake.”