26 November 2010

Two of athletics’ brightest stars have been nominated for the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year Award 2010.

Seventeen-year-old Jodie Williams (coach: Mike McFarlane), IAAF World Junior 100m champion and 200m silver medallist, and wheelchair racer Dan Lucker (coach: Jenny Archer), who stormed to five golds and one silver medal at this year’s IWAS World Junior Championships, have filled two of the top 10 contender spots for the prestigious award.

The pair were chosen by a judging panel including Aviva GB & NI sprinter and former Young Sports Personality of the Year winner, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

He will join the rest of the panel on Tuesday 30th November 2010 to select the top three and the winner from the top 10 list by secret ballot, with the final vote being independently verified.

The winner will be announced live on the Sports Personality of the Year show and the website on Sunday 19 December 2010.

Jodie said: "I am really delighted to have been nominated in the last 10 for the YSPOTY, it’s a great honour to have my achievements this year recognised.

"The list is a strong one but I hope I can move forward to the last three and enjoy another great evening with all my idols at the awards ceremony."

Dan was shocked to be nominated for the award. He said: "2010 has been a great year for me after a difficult start. The highlight was my five gold medals at the World Juniors. I have been lucky to have the support of a great team around me and can’t wait for 2011 now!"

Harry said: "I think it’s amazing to have two of our young athletes recognised. It shows the depth of athletics with two athletes being shortlisted in the top 10.

"It means a lot personally for an athlete to be shortlisted, just to be in the top 10 meant so much to me."

You can show your support for Jodie and Dan on the official UKA Facebook Page.