Wolves Training Partner Jack Long named in shortlist for SportsAid “One To Watch” Award for 2024

Worcester Wolves training Partner and University of Worcester Student Jack Long, has been names in the 10 person shortlist for the SportAid “One To Watch” Award for 2024.

SportsAid is delighted to reveal the top 10 athletes on the shortlist for this year’s One-to-Watch Award! The annual award, supported by Aldi, the charity’s Official Supermarket Partner, was launched in 2006 and shines a spotlight on the stories behind Britain’s brightest young sporting prospects. Each of this year’s finalists will receive in-person visits at their training environments to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements with the overall winner being announced in December. 

The success of the One-to-Watch Award’s illustrious ‘Hall of Fame’ speaks for itself as previous victors, including Tom Daley OBE, Hollie Arnold MBE, Jodie Williams, Courtney Tulloch, Amber Rutter, Emma Wilson and Alex Yee MBE, have amassed 136 senior medals from Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games, firmly establishing themselves as household names in British sport.

Last year, track sensation Yemi Mary John was presented with the One-to-Watch Award by 400 metres legend Christine Ohuruogu MBE after an outstanding year which saw her claim gold in the 400m at the European Athletics Under-23s Championships and two senior relay medals at the World Athletics Championships. During the summer, Yemi Mary, who also featured in the top 10 in 2022, secured a bronze medal in the 4x400m Women’s Relay at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“It’s a really good feeling and it’s great to have had this season’s achievements recognised!” said Yemi Mary shortly after being presented with the Award in December 2023. “They caught me off-guard with my Award which was a lovely surprise. Christine has done amazing things, not only in the sport as a whole but in the 400 specifically, so just to have her recognise me and be able to be in a room with such great and successful people is exciting. I appreciated her being there for it.”

The One-to-Watch Award shortlist for this year includes Olympic, world and European medallists in their respective sports either at senior or age-group level….

• Dan McLellan, 14, from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire (Powerchair Football)
• Erin Boothman, 17, from Netherlee, Glasgow (Cycling)
• Irene Oboavwoduo, 16, from West Gorton, Manchester (Basketball)
• Isabella Rinaldi, 15, from Mitcham, Surrey (Climbing)
• Jack Long, 20, from Bristol, Gloucestershire (Wheelchair Basketball)
• Lily Laughton, 20, from Chippenham, Wiltshire (Equestrian)
• Ruby White, 17, from Sturminster Newton, Dorset (Boxing)
• Samuel Reardon, 21, from Beckenham, Kent (Athletics)
• Skye Fisher-Eames, 15, from Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire (Diving)
• Summer Shaw, 20, from Camberley, Surrey (Judo)

The 10 athletes have been selected from around 1,000 rising British stars, supported by SportsAid, across more than 60 different sports during 2024. Each year, athletes are nominated by their sport’s governing body on the strength of their talent and potential, demonstrating why the One-to-Watch Award has gained such a strong reputation for identifying the best up-and-coming prospects.

Jack Long

Wheelchair Basketball

20, from Bristol, Gloucestershire

• Gold at the IWBF Under-23s European Championships representing Great Britain
• Won back-to-back BUCS titles with the University of Worcester (captain in 2024)
• Gold at the Kitakyushu Champions Cup representing Great Britain