Three In Contention for Young Athlete of the Year Prize
Published 17 minutes ago
English soccer star Michelle Agyemang, darts sensation Luke Littler and cricket star Davina Perrin have been named as finalists for the upcoming Young Athlete of the Year award.
The trio have been celebrated for their exceptional achievements over the last year.
Agyemang helped the Lionesses secure Euro 2025, Littler claimed the world title for the maiden time, and Perrin burst onto the scene with a historic innings.
Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his breakthrough year.
The three contenders were announced live on a popular morning radio program.
The 2025 recipient will be revealed live on the Sports Personality of the Year show on Thursday, 18 December.
The event will be televised from 19:00 GMT.
Michelle Agyemang
Age: 19 Sport: Football
A mere three months after her international debut, Agyemang played a pivotal and thrilling role in England's run to European Championship victory.
She was introduced as a substitute to score vital last-gasp goals in both the quarter-final and semi-final.
Her incredible contributions led to her being named the tournament's top young talent.
Subsequently, she was awarded the Golden Girl award for the top young European talent.
She was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy for the world's best under-21 female player.
Agyemang, who has been playing for Brighton on loan from Arsenal, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in October.
"Being on the shortlist for this honour is an honour," said Agyemang. "Thank you to God and I'm appreciative of the support I've received from my loved ones, mentors, colleagues and supporters."
Littler's Profile
Age: 18 Sport: Darts
The year started for Littler in spectacular fashion as - while still 17 - he became the most youthful world title winner in history.
He secured a dominant victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final.
His follow-up triumph at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth player to complete the prestigious three major tournament wins.
He didn't stop there - his victory at November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he ascended to world number one for the very first time.
At 18, he is the most youthful player to do so, breaking the previous record.
"Earning a spot on the shortlist for the honour once more is a massive accolade," stated Littler. "Winning last year was a proud moment for me and I've had another amazing 12 months. I want to continue elevating darts."
Perrin's Profile
Age: 19 Sport: Cricket
Perrin is one of English cricket's most exciting young talents and surged to prominence with an extraordinary and record-breaking innings in August.
Her brilliant 42-ball century in The Hundred is the quickest ever by an English female in T20s.
It also stands as the joint third-fastest women's T20 century in a top-tier competition.
Perrin came in second place in the batting rankings and was named the young player of the year by the PCA.
"I'm incredibly grateful to be nominated for the young athlete award," expressed Perrin. "This is phenomenal. I hope it motivates more young women to get into cricket."
