Natasha Wise & Dizzy - World Champion

Dizzy with Success

Just three and a half years old Dizzy (Ag.Ch. Raeanne's Flipping Heck) astounded onlookers as she completed two rounds of the agility course in just  61.71 seconds (25.89 for the jumping round and 35.82 in the agility round) – a total of 4.4 seconds faster than her nearest rival. She and her handler Natasha Wise beat 80 dogs, who had qualified from all over the world, to be awarded the Gold medal for Medium sized dogs. This is the first time Great Britain has won a gold medal in the Individual event before.

'I am totally overwhelmed by everyone's support and kind words throughout the whole event. It is extremely humbling to think that so many in the agility community are such wonderful and generous people.

Due to financial pressures this year getting to the World Championships was not going to be possible for me. However, after being bullied into trying out for the team by agility friends, we found ourselves selected to go. I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to attend this years event. Special mentions to Dave and Kate from iSS who provided part sponsorship and also the Devaney family from Thames DTC for their personal contribution and then finally everyone who brought raffle tickets including Wallingford DTC. I am truly touched by the generosity. In total the raffle raised approx £850 making the total fund £1250. The remainder of the money will be carried forward towards sending us to next years event which we automatically qualify for having won this year.

At the event, the team spirit was fantastic. All team members were so cohesive and helped everyone to try and map out a route to conquer the crazy challenging courses set by this years judges. We were all so positive and believed we could achieve what we have achieved. This was marked by the success of the Large Team, as getting our dogs round the team events was something most didn't achieve from the rest of the world. However, credit to Lee, Sue and Jackie for doing a wonderful job and being victorious. Personal thanks from me go to Nikki Garrett and Lee Windeatt who were great support with helping me selecting the plan of attack with Dizzy. Also to Steve Croxford and Gywn Roberts for putting up with me in the enclosures just before we ran! Finally special mention to Zoe Tharmasingham from the KC who sorted anything we wanted e.g. rooms, tickets, meals. She was just fantastic. Her positive and 'can do' attitude relaxed all the team - nothing was too much for her.

The supporters this year were great, drumming up support from other nations to help with the cheering and believing in us as a team was brilliant. I'm glad we gave you something to cheer about. Also the support from other nations was something new to me. The amount of fellow competitors who came up and cuddled me sending best wishes before and after the event was very unique as we are not the favourite nation when at international sporting events! Having my whole family at the event was initially a bit scary but thank you to Lorna and Simon Peachey for their help and to my Mum and George for making the trip and the supporters for making them feel part of the agility family.

After achieving the World Champion title the feeling that tops any other feeling is how well received the success has been. To see so many peoples comments about the emotion it has brought, also to see so many grown men cry in the celebrations. I couldn't believe I wasn't crying too! I think this is hitting me today. After reflection and reading everyone's delightful comments, it is truly amazing.

Finally thank you to Matthew who is always the rock behind Dizzy and me in all we do!'

You can watch Dizzy and Tasha's, winning moment by clicking here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4ECQIpxrE