The Olympic 1500m silver medallist has been recognised for his success alongside Jemma Reekie, Laura Muir, Megan Keith and Scout Adkin
The shortlists for the 4J Scottish Annual Awards has been announced, and with the remarkable achievements of Scottish athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic year, choosing a winner will be no easy task.
Athlete of the year
Josh Kerr, last year’s Scottish Athlete of the Year, finds himself nominated once again after a standout year. The 26-year-old won the 3000m world indoor title in Glasgow earlier this year before claiming silver in the Olympic 1500m final, breaking the British record with a time of 3:27.79, finishing just behind surprise winner, Cole Hocker.
His season didn’t end there as he went on to break the long-standing 5th Avenue Mile record in New York, running an impressive 3:44.3 at the beginning of September.
Jemma Reekie also made waves with a personal best in the 800m, recording a time of 1:55.61 to finish second to Keely Hodgkinson at the London Diamond League. She also reached the semi-finals in Paris, despite aiming for a podium finish.
Jemma Reekie (Getty)
Meanwhile, Laura Muir set a new Scottish record in the 1500m in Paris, placing fifth in her third Olympic final. The Tokyo silver medallist finished with a time of 3:54.37, competing in her 24th major final.
Rounding out the nominees is Megan Keith, who secured bronze in the 10,000m at the European Championships in Rome. Scout Adkin also earned a nomination after winning silver at the European Off-Road Running Championships whilst she also led the women’s Great British team to gold.
This year has been remarkable for the achievements of Scotland’s para-athletes too.
Sammi Kinghorn, last year’s winner, is once again nominated for Para Athlete of the Year after an incredible season. The Paralympics were the crowning achievement of her career, where she captured her first-ever Paralympic gold in the T53 100m.
Sammi Kinghorn (Getty)
Along with her historic gold, she earned four silver medals in the 400m, 800m, 1500m, and the mixed relay, contributing to the team’s impressive total of 18 medals.
Another standout was Ben Sandilands, who shattered the world record in the T20 1500m with a time of 3:45.40 at the Stade de France, securing a gold medal. Joining them in the nominations is Melanie Woods, who delivered a personal best whilst finishing sixth in the T54 800m final.
The awards ceremony will also honour Scottish athletics legend Liz McColgan as the Guest of Honour for the evening as she is also nominated for Performance Coach of the Year.
Liz McColgan (Mark Shearman)
“I think in many ways it has been a brilliant year for the Scottish pathway,” said McColgan.
“We look at the World Indoors and the Olympics and see examples but there are others across other disciplines, age groups and Para athletics.
“So many of our top athletes came through that pathway and I think it is really important that we celebrate that and thank all those involved. I am expecting a great night in October and really looking forward to my visit.”
4J Athlete of the Year
Scout Adkin; Megan Keith; Josh Kerr; Laura Muir; Jemma Reekie
4J Para Athlete of the Year
Samantha Kinghorn; Ben Sandilands; Melanie Woods
U20 Athlete of the Year
Scott Hopper; Angela McAuslan-Kelly; Natasha Phillips
U17 Athlete of the Year
Josh Mungin; Zara Redmond; Holly Whittaker
Masters Athlete of the Year
Grant Baillie; Paul Forbes; Chris Upson