By Duncan Mackay

Tobias Fankhauser wins Swiss Newcomer of the Year award November 2012November 14 - Tobias Fankhauser has been named the Swiss Paralympic Newcomer of the Year following his performance at London 2012. 


The 22-year-old business administration student, who was left paralysed following a cycling accident in 2003, won a surprise silver medal in the H1 handcycling road race at Brands Hatch behind Ireland's Mark Rohan. 

Tobias Fankhauser during London 2012Ireland's Mark Rohan (right) leads Tobias Fankhauser during the men's individual H1 road race at Brands Hatch during London 2012

The ceremony was attended by more than 250 invited guests, including Switzerland's Sports Minister, Ueli Maurer and Swiss Paralympic President Dr. Thomas Troger.

"We want to encourage young athletes on the demanding way to the top as they are our medal hopes for Rio 2016," said Troger.

Switzerland finished 33rd overall at London with a total of 13 medals, including three gold.

It was their best performance since Sydney 2000 when they came 20th overall with 20 medals, eight of them gold. 

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