Winning title inspired Emma to great year
Reigning EK Sports Personality of the Year Emma Canning said winning the prize motivated her to keep improving.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar year in combined events after winning Scottish and British titles at under-20 level, as well as representing Great Britain twice on the international stage.
She fended off competition from cyclist Kyle Johnstone, who won the adult male prize, to claim the overall award.
Looking back on last year’s win, she told the News: “I was honoured to win last year as the standard of competition I was up against was really strong.
“It’s really nice to get some recognition for all the hard work that both I and my coach Iain McEwan put in over the course of the year and winning an award like that motivates me to keep improving in my sport.
“The sports council continue to acknowledge the hard work put in by local athletes, holding these awards annually.
“It’s a nice touch at the end of a hard season for all the athletes.”
Since her win the Whitemoss Amateur Athletic Club member has gone from strength to strength.
She won a silver medal in the under-20 UK Heptathlon Championships in the summer and completed a high jump PB of 1.72m in competition to take her to the top of the Scottish rankings.
Canning, a law student, also came fourth in her first senior event in Finland and secured an overal points PB.
Most recently she won gold in U20 high jump (with 1.71m) at the Scottish Championships and silver in both the long jump and the 100m.
She said:“Whitemoss have also been incredibly supportive.
“I have been a member since I was about 14. It’s great to be a part of such a friendly club.”
Winning an award like that motivates me to keep improving Emma Canning