Swimmer Duncan Scott faces a battle away from the pool after being shortlisted for the first ever Athlete of the Year prize at the National Lottery Awards.
The 21-year-old, who won a gold and silver at the
World Championships in Budapest, followed this up with one gold, one silver and
four bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games,
making him the most succesful Scot ever at a single games.
Duncan said: “It is a real honour to be nominated
for ‘Athlete of the Year’ at this year’s National Lottery Awards. Without the
support of National Lottery funding, I would never have achieved this much in
the pool so it is amazing to be in the running for an iconic National Lottery
Award.
“All the finalists would be worthy winners but it
would be fantastic for myself and everyone in swimming to be named Athlete of
the Year so I do hope the public support me.”
The other nominees are: Alex Danson (Hockey) Emma
Wiggs (Para Canoe) Lizzy Yarnold (Skeleton) Mahama Cho (Taekwondo) Katie
Archibald (Cycling) and Menna Fitzpatrick and Jennifer Keho (Para Skiing).
Making the final seven from 120 nominated athletes,
it is now down to YOU to decide who wins.
You can vote for Duncan by:
- Clicking here
- Calling 0844 836 9732 (Telephone voting calls cost 5p max.)
- Using #NLADuncan on twitter (Only one retweet or tweet will be registered from each
account throughout the voting period – uses
of #NLADuncan on Facebook and Instagram will not be counted)
In addition to World and Commonwealth success the Alloa native won double bronze in his first short-course meet in Copenhagen in December, and two national medals at the British Championships in March.
He also helps people of all abilities learn to swim in Troon,
South Ayrshire where he learned to swim as a young boy.
Chris Spice, National Performance Director for British Swimming, said: “Duncan has already achieved so much over the last 12 months and is about to embark on his biggest challenge of the year, Glasgow 2018.
“He is hard working, dedicated and a popular member of the team so I hope the voting public see all the time and effort he has given in his career to even be recognised on the shortlist of this prestigious award.”
The brand new ‘Athlete of the Year’ category provides a golden opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the UK’s world class National Lottery funded athletes, whilst demonstrating the impact National Lottery players have on elite sport.
UK Sport Chair and Olympic Rowing Gold medallist, Dame Katherine Grainger, said: “National Lottery funding enables athletes to train full time, access to some of the best coaching and facilities in the world and realise their dreams.
“These athletes are not only sporting heroes, but role models who encourage people of all ages and abilities to actively pursue their passions.
“Please get voting and show your support for these
inspirational athletes who have reached the finals of this year’s National
Lottery Awards.”
The athlete who finishes in first place will
receive a £5,000 cash prize to award to a National Lottery funded project of
their choice.
Duncan’s nominated cause is Edinburgh Limb Loss
Association (ELLA) supporting lower limb amputees, by arranging social events,
including swimming sessions.
The victorious athlete will also receive an iconic
National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded glitzy awards ceremony
to be broadcast on BBC One on 26 September 2018.
Voting opens today and will run until September 14th.