Eilish McColgan and Simpson brothers nominated for National Lottery Athlete of the Year 2022

Eilish McColgan has been nominated for the National Lottery Athlete of the Year award 2022 following her success at the Commonwealth Games.

The Dundee runner followed in her mum’s footsteps by winning gold at the Games in Birmingham.

The 31-year-old won the 10,000 metres race 32 years after Liz McColgan won the same race for a second time.

She then repeated the feat at the European Championships just weeks later.

Para alpine skiing team Neil and Andrew Simpson have also been nominated for the award that will be voted for by the public.

The brothers from Aberdeen make the shortlist alongside athletes from throughout the UK including Laura Kenny and Michaela Walsh.

Olympic bronze medallist and former world gymnastics champion Beth Tweedle announced the 10 professional athletes from across the UK whose sporting exploits over the last few months have earned them a place on the shortlist.

Those who made the cut will go on to face the public vote and the winner will be awarded the trophy.

The organiser of the awards say the Athlete of the Year category “recognises the performances and legacy of sporting heroes and showcases the impact of National Lottery funding on elite sport”.

Since National Lottery funding for Olympic and Paralympic sport started in 1997, British athletes have won more than 1,000 medals across the Summer and Winter Games.

The shortlist for the National Lottery Athlete of the Year award

Delicious Orie – Boxing
Alice Tai – Para Swimming
Emily Campbell – Weightlifting
Laura Kenny – Cycling
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix – Diving
Jake Jarman – Gymnastics
Neil & Andrew Simpson – Para Alpine Skiing
Eilish McColgan – Athletics
Olivia Breen – Para Athletics
Michaela Walsh – Boxing