Announced 17 minutes ago
English soccer star Michelle Agyemang, darts sensation Luke Littler and cricketer Davina Perrin have been selected as contenders for the 2025 Young Athlete of the Year award.
The trio have been celebrated for their outstanding achievements over the last year.
Agyemang helped the Lionesses secure Euro 2025, Littler won the world title for the very first time, and Perrin burst onto the scene with a record-breaking innings.
Littler was the recipient in 2024 after his remarkable rise.
The shortlisted athletes were announced live on a widely-listened-to radio show.
The 2025 recipient will be unveiled on the annual sports awards show on December 18th.
The event will be televised from seven in the evening GMT.
Michelle Agyemang
Age: 19 Sport: Football
Just three months after her international debut, Agyemang played a pivotal and thrilling role in England's run to European Championship victory.
She entered the fray to score crucial late equalisers in both the quarter-final and semi-final.
Her incredible contributions led to her being named Young Player of the Tournament.
Later in the year, she was awarded the Golden Girl trophy for the finest emerging star on the continent.
She was also shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy for the planet's top young female footballer.
Agyemang, who has been on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, sustained a serious knee injury in October.
"Being nominated for this honour is a privilege," said Agyemang. "I'm grateful to God and I'm appreciative of the support I've received from my inner circle and supporters."
The Darts Prodigy
Age: 18 Sport: Darts
Littler kicked off the year in spectacular fashion as - at just 17 years old - he became the youngest darts world champion in history.
He secured a dominant victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final.
His subsequent victory at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth individual to complete the prestigious three major tournament wins.
His success continued - 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.
"To receive a nomination for this award again is a big honour," stated Littler. "Winning last year was a proud moment for me and I've had another amazing 12 months. I want to continue raising the profile of darts."
The Cricket Sensation
Age: 19 Sport: Cricket
Perrin is one of English cricket's most exciting young talents and burst into the spotlight with an extraordinary and record-breaking innings in August.
Her sublime 42-ball century in The Hundred is the fastest by an English woman in T20s.
It also stands as the shared third-fastest women's T20 century in a premier tournament.
Perrin finished second in the batting rankings and was named PCA Women's Young Player of the Year.
"I'm truly honoured to be shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year award," expressed Perrin. "It means a great deal. I hope it encourages more young females to get into cricket."
