Brownlee brothers given civic reception by Leeds

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Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee have been honoured by Leeds City Council with a civic reception for their remarkable achievements this year which has seen them crowned World and European champions.

The 21-year-old Alistair Brownlee, crowned World Champion in Australia last month after an outstanding season, was joined by his younger brother Jonathan, 19, (pictured right), who won the Junior European Championships in July.

Alistair was crowned World Champion by winning his fifth consecutive Dextro Energy Triathlon –ITU World Championship Series race on the Gold Coast.
He said: "You do it for the love of the sport but it is nice to be recognised.

 "I've never had anything like this before but it's really nice.

"It's been an absolutely fantastic year for me really, right from the start.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more and to win that last race to become world champion, it doesn't get much better.

"I am massively excited about the Olympics, the Olympics are huge for any athlete but the fact that they are in Great Britain as well is unbelievable.

"But it's still a few years away yet and we'll take it one step at a time."
 
Leeds' Mayor Judith Elliott is also excited by the prospect of London 2012.

She said: "We are delighted to be honouring these three fantastic athletes and saying well done to them on their wonderful successes on behalf of the city.
 
"Sporting achievement in Leeds is going from strength to strength and it is looking very exciting as we look towards the 2012 Olympic Games in London and even more success for athletes from our city."
 
Richard Brett, the Leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Leeds continues to prove itself as a major hotbed of rising sporting talent and the success of Alistair and Jonathan when added to that of our junior divers, swimmers, gymnasts and badminton players should be a real source of pride for the city."

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