The Sporting Equals Awards are a vital platform for recognising and celebrating the achievements of ethnically diverse individuals and communities in sport. This year’s Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year Award highlighted the remarkable young talent shaping the future of sports, inspiring participation, and driving change in the sector.
Honouring Outstanding Young Athletes
The nominations for this prestigious award showcased an extraordinary level of skill, dedication, and resilience. Each finalist has made significant contributions to their respective sports, setting new standards and serving as role models for the next generation.
Kai Hockley – Winner
At just 13 years old, Kai Hockley became the youngest competitor in the Fastnet Race in 2019. Since then, he has sailed over 3,000 miles offshore in RORC races and competed in the ILCA (Laser) Youth Nationals, often as the only ethnically diverse competitor in the fleet.
Beyond his personal achievements, Kai is a mentor to younger sailors, guiding them in both training and competition. His outstanding performances in 2023 saw him win the Quarter-Tonner Trophy and the B&G Young Sailor Trophy in the Round the Island Race. At Cowes Week, he helmed an Etchells, securing the Musto Young Skipper Trophy as the highest-placed Under-25 helm in the regatta. In recognition of his talent, Sir Ben Ainslie selected Kai for the development programme within his British sailing teams, including Emirates Great Britain SailGP and INEOS Britannia Americas Cup teams.
Rowin Manjit Singh Leil II
Rowin is a dedicated student of Sports Science in the Midlands, a fully qualified BWA Level 2 coach, and a Level 3 PT. Despite still being a junior, he has consistently excelled in senior-level competitions, securing numerous medals across the UK and Europe.
His achievements include gold medals at the English, Dublin, Midlands, Scottish, UK, and French National Rankings Championships, as well as podium finishes in Sweden, Estonia, and Finland. Rowin’s dedication extends beyond personal success—he runs his own wrestling club, trains rigorously, and coaches young children at GNG Leicester Gurdwara, instilling discipline and educating them on the dangers of knife crime, drugs, and alcohol abuse.
Sky Brown
Sky Brown, Britain’s youngest Olympic medallist, continues to push the boundaries of skateboarding. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she delivered a stunning performance, securing a bronze medal with a score of 92.31—just a week after dislocating her shoulder. Sky’s remarkable resilience and talent make her an inspiration to young athletes worldwide.
Recognising the Importance of Diversity in Sport
Kai Hockley’s victory as the Youth Sport Trust Young Sportsperson of the Year serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes from diverse backgrounds. His journey exemplifies the impact of hard work, perseverance, and representation in sport.
A special thank you to the sponsor of this award, whose support is instrumental in celebrating and highlighting the success of ethnically diverse athletes. Their commitment ensures that young role models receive the recognition they deserve, fostering greater inclusivity in the sporting world.
As we celebrate these phenomenal young athletes, we look forward to seeing how their journeys continue to shape the future of sports. Congratulations to all the nominees for their outstanding achievements!
