Coaches put on awards shortlist

Athletics coaches Sophie Dunnett, Willy Russell and Andrew Ferguson have been shortlisted for three national awards which will be presented at a dinner in Glasgow at the end of the month.

Dunnett is nominated for the Scottishathletics performance coach of the year award, Russell for the development coach of the year and Ferguson for club coach of the year.

The awards will be presented by Olympian Derek Redmond who will be the special guest of honour.

Dunnett, a member of North Highland Harriers, is shortlisted for the second year in a row, primarily in recognition of her work with Halkirk runner Andrew Douglas who has developed into one of the world’s leading mountain runners.

Dunnett said: “I am delighted. When I was nominated last year I said the process of being recognised was in many ways more important than the outcome of the nomination and this year I still believe this.”

Russell’s nomination is also no surprise as he has guided dozens of young athletes at Banchory Stonehaven AC to success, one of the most prominent being sprinter Alisha Rees, 17.

This summer she reached new heights by picking up a silver medal in the 200 metres when making her Great Britain debut in the European youth championships in Georgia.

Rees is developing into one of Britain’s best young sprinters and although having just turned 17 in April, she ended the summer season at the top of the Scottish senior women’s 100m and 200m rankings.

Ferguson is one of Aberdeen’s brightest young coaches. Among those he has helped this year are Harry Hall, 14, who topped the Scottish under-15 800m and 1,500m rankings, and Naomi Lang, 16, who set a women’s record in the Union Street mile.

“Recognition of her work with Halkirk runner Douglas”