Shortlist revealed for 2026 Shetland Sports Awards
Julian Okroj, Katie Dinwoodie and Mhairi Gifford vying for sportsperson prize
SWIMMER Julian Okroj, athlete Katie Dinwoodie and fencer Mhairi Gifford are in the running for the top prize at this year’s Shetland Sports Awards.
The trio have been shortlisted for the coveted sportsperson of the year award, which was won by sailor Maggie Adamson last year.
Strongwoman Lauri Siegel – who recently competed at a world championship event in Phoenix, USA – is up for the young sportsperson of the year prize.
Sprinter Kian Redman and netballer Ella Johnson round out the shortlist for that award.
Whalsay FC, who won the A league for the first time since 2011 this season and became just the second Shetland side to reach the final of the Highland Amateur Cup, are in the running to be named team of the year.
They will go up against Shetland Women’s football team, who have reached the second round of the Scottish Cup and retained the Highlands and Islands league cup, and the Burra rowing team.
The rowers have become an unbeatable force in regattas all over the isles.
Shetland women’s football coaches Carrie Morrison, Kevin Main and Niall Bristow are up for volunteer coach of the year, alongside Chris Graham (table tennis) and Emma Jamieson and Natalie Constable (junior netball).
The Anderson High School S1 mixed netball team, the Shetland junior table tennis primary school team and the under-18 junior netball side will vie for the young team of the year gong.
In the volunteer of the year category, Adam Peterson of Delting FC, Alina Murray of Shetland Social Runners and Shetland Canoe Club’s Rachel Shucksmith are up.
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Delting FC’s women’s team are up for the inclusivity award, alongside Shetland Table Tennis Association and the Shetland Amateur Swimming Club.
The lifetime endeavour award will be announced on the night.
Shetland’s most decorated Island Games athlete, Ian Williamson, was the winner of the award last year.
The 2026 Shetland Sports Awards are hosted by Shetland Recreational Trust and supported by partners such as Shetland Islands Council (SIC), Ability Shetland, and national sports agency sportscotland.
SIC sports development officer Jack Clubb said the standard this year had been “extremely high” and reflected another successful year of sports in Shetland.
“It is always inspiring to see the achievements of our athletes and teams, and it’s equally important to acknowledge the coaches, volunteers, and groups whose dedication helps create a platform for people to succeed through sport and physical activity,” he said.
“We look forward to celebrating all the nominees and their achievements at this year’s awards ceremony.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 13 November at the Clickimin in Lerwick.
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