Leyden nominated for Award
Jess Leyden from Hollingworth Lake, is one of just three athletes in the UK to have been shortlisted for SportsAid’s prestigious “One-to-Watch Award” which will be presented by the charity’s Patron, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, at its SportsBall on November 28.
The 18-year-old rower has performed exceptionally well at junior international level this year, capping it with a gold medal at the junior world championships in the women’s single scull.
Jess’s nomination came from more than 1300 other SportsAid athletes throughout the UK.
“It is such a privilege to be acknowledged by people outside of my sport. I really feel that people are backing me and believe in what I am doing and how much further I can go,” she said.
“SportsAid have helped me so much, giving me opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. The funding takes the financial pressure off and allows me to achieve my goals in competing internationally.”
The judging panel that shortlisted Jess included experts from BBC Sport, UK Sport, Sport England, the British Olympic Association, the English Institute of Sport and SportsAid.
When the winner is announced on November 28 it will be the first time that the Duchess of Cambridge has presented the One-to-Watch Award since becoming SportsAid’s Patron earlier this year. Previous winners include diver Tom Daley and sprinter Sally Brown.
