Kinghorn is queen of Scots
Racer is first para competitor crowned athlete of the year
Wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn was named Scottish Sportsperson of the Year at the Team Scotland Scottish Sports Awards in Edinburgh last night. She is the first parasport athlete to take the top award in its 15-year history. Past winners include Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Andy Murray and Dame Katherine Grainger.
Kinghorn enjoyed a brilliantly successful World Paraathletics Championships in London in the summer. She broke her own world record to win gold in the 200 metres before going on to take a second gold in the 100m and bronze in the 400m.
She also won the Para-sport Athlete of the Year award at the ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, beating off challenges from swimmer Danielle Joyce and tennis player Gordon Reid.
Kinghorn said: “It’s amazing to even be thought of as one of the best para-sport athletes in Scotland but to actually win is incredible, and then to win Scottish Sportsperson of the Year as well, that’s something I never thought of. To hold the trophy and Andy Murray’s name is on it and all the greats of Scottish sport, knowing that your name is going to be there too is really special. To be the first para athlete to win it is pretty cool.”
Kinghorn, 21, was left paralysed after an accident on her family’s farm in the Borders when she was just 14. While in the Spinal Injuries Unit at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital, her physiotherapist took her to Stoke Mandeville to try out disability sports, leading to her taking up wheelchair racing. Her next major event is the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast. There was also success for middle-distance runner Laura Muir, who was named Female Athlete of the Year. Swimmer Duncan Scott’s gold and silver medal-winning performances in the relays at the World Swimming Championshipsgavehimthenodfor Male Athlete of the Year.
Judy Murray was named Team Scot of the Year in recognition of her relentless drive for equality in sport and an active lifestyle for all children.
Boxer Josh Taylor won an award for Sporting Moment of the Year for his stunning win over the previously unbeaten Ohara Davies to defend his Commonwealth Title belt.
Rugby great Gavin Hastings was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of an outstanding playing career which saw him win 61 caps, including 20 as captain.
The Scotland Women’s Football national side took Team of the Year, reflecting their successful Euro 2017 qualifying campaign. There was also a Special Recognition Award for Celtic following their historic season which saw them unbeaten in domestic competition.