Three Athletes Shortlisted for Young Sports Personality Prize

Three young athletes smiling for a photo.
Caption: Agyemang, Littler and Perrin are contenders for this year's award.

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Lionesses forward Michelle Agyemang, darts prodigy Luke Littler and cricketer Davina Perrin have been shortlisted for the upcoming Young Athlete of the Year award.

The three finalists have been recognised for their exceptional achievements over the last year.

Agyemang was instrumental as the Lionesses win Euro 2025, Littler claimed the world title for the maiden time, and Perrin surged to prominence with a record-breaking innings.

Littler claimed this honour in 2024 after his breakthrough year.

The three contenders were unveiled on a national radio breakfast show.

The 2025 recipient will be unveiled on the Sports Personality of the Year show on December 18th.

The ceremony will be televised from seven in the evening GMT.

The Football Star

Age: 19 Sport: Football

Only 90 days after her international debut, Agyemang played a dramatic and decisive role in England's run to European Championship victory.

She entered the fray to score key tying goals in both the knockout stage games.

These match-saving moments led to her being named the tournament's top young talent.

Afterwards, she was awarded the prestigious Golden Girl honour for the best young player in Europe.

She was also in contention for the Kopa Trophy for the world's best under-21 female player.

Agyemang, who has been at Brighton in a temporary move from Arsenal, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in October.

"To be named a finalist for this award is incredible," said Agyemang. "I thank God and I'm thankful for the support I've received from my family, coaches, team-mates and fans."

The Darts Prodigy

Age: 18 Sport: Darts

The year started for Littler in sensational style as - aged 17 - he became the youngest darts world champion in history.

He secured a commanding win over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

His subsequent victory at the World Matchplay made him only the fifth competitor to complete the prestigious triple crown of major titles.

His success continued - his victory at November's Grand Slam of Darts meant he reached world number one for the first time.

At 18, he is the earliest achiever to do so, smashing the previous record.

"Earning a spot on the shortlist for this award again is a huge privilege," stated Littler. "Last year's win was a proud moment for me and I've had another unbelievable 12 months. I want to continue promoting darts."

The Cricket Sensation

Age: 19 Sport: Cricket

Perrin is one of English cricket's top prospects and burst into the spotlight with an unbelievable and unprecedented innings in August.

Her magnificent 42-ball century in The Hundred is the quickest ever by an English female in T20s.

It also stands as the equal third-quickest women's T20 century in a major league or full member T20 international.

Perrin finished second in the season's run tally and was named the young player of the year by the PCA.

"I'm deeply humbled to be nominated for the Young Sports Star award," expressed Perrin. "It's a very special feeling. I hope it motivates more girls to get into cricket."

Media caption: Iconic acceptance talks from across SPOTY history.
Joshua Payne
Joshua Payne

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