The Sporting Equals Awards 2024 celebrated the brightest talents in British sport, and this year’s UK Sport Rising Star of the Year was none other than the exceptional Funmi Oduwaiye. The award, which recognises athletes who have recently entered elite senior sports and are showing immense potential, was a fitting tribute to Funmi’s remarkable journey and achievements in para-athletics.
Funmi’s Journey
Funmi Oduwaiye’s story is one of sheer determination and resilience. She took up para-athletics in 2022 following multiple surgeries on her legs to correct a condition commonly known as knocked knees. A complication from one of the surgeries led to a damaged artery, resulting in paralysis of her right leg from the knee down. During her recovery, Funmi discovered Paralympic sport through the documentary Rising Phoenix, which ignited her passion for competition.
Introduced to para-athletics by the late coach Anthony Hughes at Disability Sport Wales, Funmi quickly embraced the sport and began her competitive journey. In 2023, she made her international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, finishing sixth in the F64 Discus and narrowly missing a medal in the Shot Put by just 20 centimetres with a fourth-place finish. Her rapid rise and impressive performances have earmarked her as one to watch in the world of para-athletics.
Recognising fellow Finalists
We also had two other outstanding finalists making headlines in their respective sports:
- Louie Hinchliffe – A trailblazer in British sprinting, Louie made history as the first European to win the prestigious NCAA title over 100m while competing in the United States. His success continued at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he secured a bronze medal as part of Team GB’s 4x100m relay squad.
- Yemi Mary John – A rising star in athletics, Yemi burst onto the scene with a gold medal in the 400m at the 2022 World U20 Championships, clocking an impressive 51.50 seconds. She continued her upward trajectory by winning gold at the European Athletics U23 Championships and securing a bronze medal in the Women’s 4x400m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Bright Future Ahead
Funmi Oduwaiye’s recognition as the UK Sport Rising Star of the Year is a testament to her perseverance, talent, and dedication to para-athletics. With her meteoric rise and an unwavering spirit, she is undoubtedly set to achieve even greater success on the international stage. As she continues to push boundaries and inspire others, the future of British para-athletics looks brighter than ever.
