We are pleased to announce the athletes who have been selected to receive the Athlete Awards for 2018. The group of 8 athletes have all performed at a high level over the past two seasons and are recognised as Great Britains biggest medal hopes over the next 2 years.
These Athlete Awards represent British Orienteering's commitment to invest in winning medals at the highest level. The awards recognise athletes who have shown the potential and commitment to be medal contenders in the next two years.
Selection for awards is based on criteria laid out below and the expert opinion of the Selection Panel. To be eligible for the awards athletes must be a member of the senior squad and committed to delivering their best performances at the World Orienteering Championships in 2018.
The awards are made in two categories:
Individual Podium
Athletes who have achieved a top 6 individual position at World Orienteering Championship or World Cup in the past 2 years. The panel believes these athletes represent the best opportunity for an individual British medal success in the next 2 years.
Relay Podium
Athletes who have achieved a top 4 relay position at World Orienteering Championship or World Cup in the past 2 years. The selection panel believes these athletes are likely to be serious contenders for relay medal success in the next 2 years.
Cat Taylor has been identified for their potential to medal in forest races, whilst Kris Jones has been selected for his potential as a sprint athlete in both the individual and mixed sprint relay.
Peter Hodkinson, Charlotte Ward and Megan Carter-Davies have been identified as key components of potentially successful mixed sprint relay teams. Ralph Street adds to this focus on the mixed sprint relay whilst also being recognised for his role in successful men's forest relay teams alongside Graham Gristwood and Hector Haines.
The awards are made for the year 1st January to 31st December 2018 allowing athletes to use the awards to support their training, preparation and competition throughout the year. The awards are held by British Orienteering and paid against expenses against a performance plan identified by the athletes.
Head of Development, Craig Anthony, said: "I'm really pleased to announce the 2018 athlete awards. This is the outcome of significant change within the performance programme and demonstrates our support for those athletes with medal winning potential."