Milnathort track star Laura Muir was last night crowned Perth and Kinross Sports Personality of the Year.
The former Kinross High student, Scottish Athletics’ athlete of the year, continued her special journey on the track with a host of top performances.
A 1500m silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games last summer was certainly a memorable moment.
Laura, who is coached by Andy Young, is the current British record holder for outdoor 1500m and is looking forward to producing more magic later this year.
Also up for the main sports personality of the year honour at the Perth and Kinross Sports Awards - held at Perth Museum - were curlers Eve Muirhead and Mili Smith.
Phil Coleman, Community Sport and Partnership Manager for Live Active Leisure, said: “It is an honour to announce Laura as the Perth and Kinross Sports Awards Sports Personality of the Year winner.
“She is an outstanding athlete and after winning silver at the Tokyo Olympic Games in the 1500m, and being crowned Scottish Athletics athlete of the year, she is a fantastic choice for our celebration of homegrown sporting talent.”
A further 10 awards were presented to local sporting heroes including volunteers, coaches and athletes for efforts dating from January 1 to December 31, 2021.
Volunteer of the Year went to Frazer Robertson of Glenearn Badminton, a key figure who steered the club through Covid-19 and ensured strong turnouts remained at both junior and adult sessions.
Frazer played an active role in bringing free summer badminton sessions for young people, has led a club re-brand, refreshed club documents and acquired the John Grant Cup in memory of the club’s former president.
He is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion encouraging the club to be part of LGBTIQ+ inclusion initiatives as well as the Perth and Kinross Disability Sport Badminton Championships in November 2021.
Picking up the Chuck Hay Team of the Year prize was Killiecrankie-based Pegasus Vaulting Group.
After winning the British Championships in 2019 (senior one star event), Covid-19 meant the team’s ability to train on horses together was severely impacted and all events in 2020 were cancelled.
As restrictions eased, the team returned in style and competed again in 2021, winning the Scottish Championships in September and then again in October at the British Championships.
St Johnstone were presented with the Special Achievement Award for their incredible cup double-winning season. The Perth club lifted the League Cup and Scottish Cup to claim the finest of doubles.
The Youth Leadership Award was earned by Perth City Swim Club’s Anna Woodhead.
Anna has been a member of the club for almost 10 years as a district swimmer and as a young poolside helper.
Despite challenges by the pandemic and the closure of Perth pool, Anna was undeterred and completed her level one coaching course in 2021.
She has great rapport with young swimmers and her soft but enthusiastic manner is a comfort and inspiring support to them.
Target shooter Lesley Stewart of Blairgowrie won the Disability Sports Personality of the Year.
Lesley fulfilled a lifelong dream last summer by competing in the Tokyo Paralympic Games in the R8 (50M Rifle 3 Position Women SH1).
She finished in 13th place having spectacularly qualified to compete just two months before, following three years out with major injury.
Taking home the Young Sports Personality of the Year was swing king Connor Graham, a rising star of the golfing world.
At just 14, Connor had too many successes to mention but home soil highlights include winner of the Barrie Douglas Scottish Junior Masters, winner of the Paul Lawrie Boys Junior Championships, Stephen Gallacher Scottish Championships Fairmont winner and winner of the Scottish Junior Tour Musselburgh.
He was also crowned champion at the Sky Sports European Junior Open Championships and finished top spot of the Scottish Boys Order of Merit 2021.
At the other side of the sporting scale, Veteran Sports Personality of the Year went to badminton legend Dan Travers.
The former Commonwealth Games athlete has continued to enjoy competitive action and was in medal-winning form at the World Senior Badminton Championships in Spain last year.
Club of the Year was presented to hard-working Strathmore Golf Club, whose junior section is going from strength to strength.
The junior section broke all previous records in membership numbers during 2021, attracting 49 new members and taking total members to 94.
The club work hard to keep costs low for families and has a club hire scheme in operation for youngsters that has since been replicated by Scottish Golf to encourage more clubs to do the same.
Salle Ossian Fencing Club were winners of the Sport for Change Award.
Project Forte is Salle Ossian Fencing Club’s Changing Lives Programme, working with survivors of violence or trauma using fencing as a means to help rehabilitation of the mind and body.
Often following trauma, there is a dissociation between body and the brain and fencing provides a unique opportunity for survivors to reconnect with themselves and with others in a safe and supportive environment.
And the George Mortimer Service to Sport Award went home with community football stalwart Atholl Henderson.
A familiar face at St Johnstone, for 35 years he has shown outstanding commitment, dedication and enthusiasm to helping the next generation.
Latterly chief executive of the St Johnstone Community Trust, he has supported the personal development of thousands and has made a positive difference to the lives of other people.
Mr Coleman added: “Once again, the event highlighted the outstanding achievements and commitment of our local athletes, coaches, volunteers and sporting organisations.
“In what has been a challenging year for everyone, it was lovely to welcome guests and finalists to celebrate together in our first ‘in-person’ event for a couple of years. We look forward to a wonderful year of local sport in 2022.”
