Decorated Irish cyclist Lara Gillespie has been nominated for the RTÉ Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year award for 2021.
While Gillespie suffered some bad luck this year, which forced her onto the sidelines and out of the team pursuit line-up, she had taken a medal at the European Track Championships before that.
The 20-year-old, who had already won medals in the Europeans and Worlds as a junior before this year, claimed the silver medal in the U23 individual pursuit in August in the Netherlands.
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That result was more than enough to see her shortlisted for the prestigious award, which was won by Limerick downhill rider Oisin O'Callaghan last year.
Gillespie, from Enniskerry in Co Wicklow, is in big company on this year's shortlist. The fact she made the cut despite her season being hampered by injury is a reflection of the level she is at.
Also shortlisted are:
- Amy Hunter, the 16-year-old cricketer who score 121 against Zimbabwe in October
- Emma Duggan, the 19-year-old GAA footballer who was one of the stars of Meath winning the senior All Ireland
- Gavin Bazunu, the 19-year-old who has established himself as the Irish soccer team goalkeeper, pulling off brilliant saves this year
- Nicole Turner, another 19-year and winner of the silver medal in the S6 50m butterfly at the Tokyo Paralympic Games
- Rhasidat Adeleke, also aged 19 years, won gold in the 100m and 200m at the U20 European Athletics Championships this year
The awards will be presented by broadcasters Joanne Cantwell and Darragh Maloney on Saturday December 18th on RTÉ One.
