Square Mile Sport Awards - Vote Now!
The production line of young British sports stars emerging onto the world stage has continued apace over the last twelve months. The winner was chosen from the 6 nominees below and got to walk home with the Sky Alive Young Sportsperson of the Year award…
Micah Richards, Football
2007 has been an astonishing year for Micah Richards, not only becoming the youngest captain in Manchester City’s history but also establishing himself as a first-choice right back for England. On making his full England debut in November 2006, he was, at 18 years 144 days, the youngest defender ever to play for the national team, breaking the record previously held by Rio Ferdinand. With previous first-choice Gary Neville sidelined through injury, Richards became a pivotal part of a rejuvenated England team, scoring his first international goal in the Euro 2008 qualifying game against Israel in September.
Rory McIlroy, Golf
Northern Irish golfing sensation Rory McIlroy has enjoyed a debut professional season to remember. He started the year by reaching the number one spot in the World Amateur Rankings and followed it up with a superb opening three under par round of 68 in The Open Championship at Carnoustie, the only bogey-free round of the day. After playing for Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup, he then turned professional and immediately registered two top 4 finishes in his first 3 tournaments on the European Tour. McIlroy is on course to become the youngest player to ever qualify to compete in the Ryder Cup.
Tom Rees, Rugby Union
With the England rugby team in disarray at the turn of the year, coach Brian Ashton turned to youth to make a mark and flanker Tom Rees was one of the few to rise to the challenge. In a largely disappointing Six Nations campaign, Rees started his first game in the 26-18 victory against France on the 11th March 2007 and his standout display saw him awarded the RBS Man of The Match Award. His performances saw him selected for England’s World Cup squad and, whilst he began the campaign as a first choice, injury saw him sidelined for the latter stages of the tournament. The 22-year old Rees was recently nominated for the PRA Young Player of the Year Award for the second year running.
Jamie Murray, Tennis
While his progress has been overshadowed by the achievements of his younger brother Andy, 2007 was the year that Jamie Murray stepped into the spotlight. Few would have expected him to end Britain’s 20-year wait for a Wimbledon tennis champion but, along with playing partner Jelena Jankovic, the older Murray went all the way in winning the mixed doubles crown at this year’s tournament. Nicknamed ‘Stretch’ due to his unfeasibly long reach, Murray’s prowess in the doubles format of the sport has also seen him win back-to-back doubles titles on the ATP Tour as well as partnering Tim Henman in helping Britain regain their World Group status in the Davis Cup.
Thomas Daley, Diving
While Britain’s diving talent has never grabbed the headlines in the past, all that looks set to change if Thomas Daley continues his rise to the top. The Plymouth diving club member represented his nation at the Youth Olympics in Australia in January 2007. Despite a persistent thumb injury, the 12 year old Daley, managed to win a silver medal with Callum Johnstone in the 10-metre synchronised-diving final. Daley is the British Under-18 champion in the highboard and springboard, and he came second in the 10m platform at the 2006 senior British Championships. All the signs point to him being a major medal hope for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Adil Rashid, Cricket
English cricket has never been renowed for producing world-class wrist spin bowlers but in Adil Rashid the nation may finally have unearthed a genuine claimant to join those ranks. Rashid’s first County Championship game of the 2007 season, at The Oval against Surrey, saw him hit 86 in the first innings, establishing a new partnership record for that wicket for Yorkshire against Surrey, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1902. A string of impressive performances for his club then followed including taking 5-88 against Durham at Headingley. By the end of the season, Rashid was named Cricket Writers' Club 2007 Young Cricketer of the Year and subsequently awarded the title of PCA Young Player of the Year.