Still time to nominate your sporting hero

Stirling-based swimmer Robbie Renwick scooped a top prize at the Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sport Awards shortly after his inspirational Commonwealth Games performance in New Delhi.

The athlete captured the nation’s imagination after his stunning performances in the pool earned him a gold medal in 2010.

And as a result he was named winner of the Inspirational Performance prize at the awards – which is organised to recognise the very best of sporting talent in the country.

The 2017 awards, which will take place on December 7, will showcase the work of people like Robbie and his late coach Eileen Adams who he dedicated his prize win to.

Eileen worked with Robbie for seven years when he was a teenager but sadly lost her battle with cancer before his career-defining games in India.

Robbie said: “I think anyone who gets the Inspirational Performance award has got an equally important story and background to what they have achieved.

“Hearing all of these inspirational stories, it’s fascinating to know what goes on in the background and in the minds of athletes, because at the end of the day they are just like you and I, they are completely normal people but they are asked to do an exceptional job.

“But I can’t emphasise enough the importance of coaches. These guys are mentors and role models for the next generation of people.

“Where would I be without so many fantastic coaches throughout my swimming career? No way would I have won or had the success I have had. It’s a really tough job that we ask them to do.”

Nominations for the 2017 Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sport Awards can be made at sundaymailsportsawards.co.uk. Deadline date is October 2.