Some very difficult decisions had to be made around the table today and some of them were too close to call, so extra awards had to be added! It's always great to have such a diverse group of judges who can offer expert opinion and fresh insight into each category. Some of the discussions grew quite heated and last year's winner Martyn admitted that although he was overwhelmed to receive the award in 2016 he felt even more honoured now that he could see how tough the competition actually is. In fact he said that he must stop hanging his keys on his trophy and give it pride of place in the room! After two hours of debate we finally have our class of 2017 and they are all worthy winners. We know that you'll be so proud of them all.
Our ceremony is on 22nd November and we'll stream all the action live from the ceremony on our Facebook page. Follow us there for all the news as it happens.
Our Judges
Ben Shephard
Ben is one of Britain’s most popular television presenters. He currently co- anchors ITV breakfast show Good Morning Britain as well as hosting the ever- popular quiz show Tipping Point. Ben also hosts Goals on Sunday on Sky Sports alongside Chris Kamara, and presents ITV's hit Saturday Night show Ninja Warrior alongside Rochelle Humes. Ben loves endurance and extreme sports, and his sense of adventure has often led him to take on some amazing and gruelling challenges to raise awareness for the special causes he supports. He is a patron of several charities and dedicates much of his free time to working with them. Ben is also the host of the Pride of Sport Awards.
Martyn Ashton
Martyn has been a professional mountain biker for the last 25-years. In that time he’s managed to travel the World through bike riding. His competitive career brought him to a World Championship title, British Championship titles and a World Record. His media career has brought him magazine covers & features, live performances and YouTube hit videos.
In 2013 Martyn broke his back in a crash and the resulting spinal cord injury has left him paralysed from the waist down and in a wheelchair permanently. Since the accident Martyn has managed to devise ways of riding again, continuing the career he’s always loved and discovered what life is all about.
Martyn is also the winner of a Pride of Sport Award 2016.
Lloyd Embley
Lloyd Embley was made Group Editor-in Chief of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday people in October 2012, having been promoted to Editor of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror in May of the same year. Lloyd joined the Daily Mirror in January 1994 and has been a journalist for 27 years
Mark Foster
Mark burst onto the international swimming scene at the age of 16, representing England at the 1986 Commonwealth Games, he went on to represent his country for 23 years and became Britain’s most decorated male swimmer.
Throughout his remarkable career, he has won 51 major international medals; competed in 5 Olympics, been 6 times World Champion, 11 times European champion, 2 times Commonwealth champion and broke the World record 8 times. He was also chosen as the flag bearer to lead out Team GB at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Wasim Khan
In 1990, Wasim became the first British born Pakistani to become a professional cricketer in England. In 2005, he was recruited as CEO by Lord Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England, to plan and deliver Chance to Shine, a cricket-education programme in state schools. The charity raised £55 million in 9 years and delivered to over 2.5 million state school children, including 1 million girls.
In 2013 he was awarded an MBE for services to cricket and communities. He became CEO of Leicestershire County Cricket Club in early 2015. He is currently the only South Asian CEO across any professional sporting club in the UK. He joined the Board of Sport England in October 2016.
Rachel Lock
Rachel has been the TSB HR Director since it was launched on the high street in 2013. Prior to this she had worked at Lloyds Banking Group in various senior HR roles. In Rachel’s free time she loves to spend time with her nieces and nephews. When she is not spending time with her family she is over at Stamford Bridge supporting Chelsea with her Husband
Karen Pickering
During her 20 year international career Karen won 35 major championship medals and 38 National titles despite breaking her back in a car accident in 1996. She was four times World champion, broke two World Records and competed at four consecutive Olympic Games. Since retiring from competition in 2005 Karen has set up her own swim fitness business & foundation and is a mum to twin girls who are nearly three. She is a swimming commentator for BBC 5 Live & is currently on the board of Sport England.
Sam Quek
Sam Quek has played as a defender for both the England and Great Britain Hockey teams. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sam played a key role in the Great Britain team that famously won Gold in an exhilarating final against the Netherlands. Sam also won her 50th cap for Great Britain and now has more than 125 combined caps for England and Great Britain. Sam has since been building a career as a sports presenter. This summer she was part of Channel 4's presenting team for the Women Football European Championships in Holland and now looks forward to more TV presenting in football, NFL and much more.
Beth Tweddle
As Britain’s greatest ever-female gymnast, Beth’s impressive achievements include being an Olympic Bronze Medalist, a triple World Champion, a six-time European Champion, a Commonwealth Champion and seven-times consecutive National Champion. In 2010, Beth was included in the Queen's New Years Honours List, and received an MBE for her success, commitment and dedication to gymnastics.
Beth has since retired from competitive gymnastics but is very much involved with her beloved sport, as a director and ambassador of Total Gymnastics. Beth and fellow Olympian, Steve Parry, set up the company to provide the opportunity for as many children as possible to take up gymnastics, within schools, leisure centres and gymnastics clubs to help develop the sport around the country.
David Walker
David Walker is the Sports Editor of the Daily Mirror and until last year was Chairman of the Sports Journalists' Association. He joined Trinity Mirror in 2005 as the Sports Editor of the Sunday Mirror after five years in football as a director at Leeds United and Barnsley. Before that he was chief football reporter at the Daily Mail and deputy sports editor of the Mail on Sunday.
The Categories
Young Sports Person
To recognise an outstanding individual who has performed beyond their years or proved their potential to become a world class sports star Britain can be proud of.
Team of the Year
To honour a grassroots team in any sport who have worked together to succeed beyond expectations, or had an impact outside the boundaries of sport.
Sporting Fundraiser
To recognise an individual or a group that have undertaken an outstanding charity challenge. Judges will consider the scale and ingenuity of the challenge as well as the amount raised.
Young Fundraiser
To recognise an individual or group under the age of 16 that has undertaken an outstanding charity challenge. Judges will consider the scale and ingenuity of the challenge as well as the amount raised.
TSB Community Partner
For an individual or a group of people who have worked together in partnership as a force for good in their local community, improving the lives of people around them through sport. This could be anything from supporting young people to help them thrive to bring ing communities together to make a difference.
Young Achiever
To recognise a young person aged 16 or under who has overcome signi cant obstacles to take part in sport, inspiring others with their spirit and dedication.
Special Recognition
For inspirational people and groups that deserve recognition but may not t into any any other category.
Coach of the Year
For a grassroots coach or manager who has led their team to notable success, or to perform above and beyond expectations.
Disabled Sports Person Award
For a disabled sports person who has achieved notable success in grassroots sport, or performed above and beyond expectations.
