Inspirational people recognised at inaugural TAFi awards

England Athletics were honoured to sponsor the inaugural Track and Field Inclusion (TAFi) Awards held in London last week. Celebrating 'the most inclusive sport in the world,' ten inspirational people from grassroots to elite level were recognised - seven by public vote.

Co-founder Joel Campbell explained:

"TAFi was created to honour the many individuals whose passion, dedication, and contributions shape the Track and Field community - shining a light on those whose love for the sport keeps it thriving."

England Athletics' Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Georgina Best said:

"These awards are unique in providing a platform to recognise and promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, from athletes to coaches, officials, and the wider volunteer community. At England Athletics, we believe athletics should be accessible and inclusive for everyone, and we are proud to have been part of an event that champions these values."

Hosted by four-time Olympian Donna Fraser, the event was attended by the athletics greats across UK track and field with speeches coming from UKA CEO, Jack Buckner and Dame Denise Lewis DBE, president of UKA.

Winners

• Loughborough Student and City of Stoke athlete Seamus Derbyshire is TAFi male athlete of the year. He has represented British team at European and World Championships. He has been open about his sexuality and his anxiety battles and this year moved to fifth on the 400m hurdles British all-time list.
• TAFi female athlete of the year was awarded to Cambridge University graduate and Olympic silver medallist Amy Hunt. She has a number of gold relay medals under her belt, and PB'd this year to take the British 100m title and silver in the 200m. She's fourth on the UK all-time list.
• TAFi male para-athlete of the year Thomas Young is a T38 100m sprinter. He won gold at the 2020 Paralympics and has medalled at three World Championships including silver last year and bronze at New Delhi this year.
• TAFi female para-athlete of the year Hannah Cockroft needs no introduction. Nine golds at four Paralympic Games, and Commonwealth Gold, she holds countless titles culminating in World Championship gold in the T34 wheelchair racing at 100m, 400m and 800m this year. She was unable to attend but her award was collected by her coach Paul Moseley who was shortisted for the coach of the year award. He said:

"I am very honoured to be nominated and shortlisted as a finalist for the TAFi coach of the year award. The TAFi Awards is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate all aspects of athletics and being part of the conversation for one of the prestigious awards is amazing, whilst also acknowledging the achievements of the year we've had in wheelchair racing. Congratulations to all the Award winners and finalists on their achievements and thanks to TAFI for pulling such a great event together."

• TAFi male breakthrough athlete of the year was Teddy Wilson, a prominent young sprinter specialising in 100m and 200m. He is a multiple youth record holder and international medallist, considered one of the UK’s most promising junior athletes. In 2025 he set new personal bests in the 60m, 100m and 200m.
• High jumper Alessia Scala won TAFi female breakthrough athlete of the year. The Blackheath and Bromley AC athlete has also competed in the triple jump and long jump. She is the England Athletics U15 high jump champion her PB of 1.76m places her on the all-time UK top 10 list for her age group.
• Ken Pike, an honorary member of Kent AC and an accomplished coach, was recognised for the hard work he gives back to the sport and was awarded TAFi Unsung Hero of the Year. As a mathmatician his coaching knowledge stems from training and racing data, and this has brought the very best out of those he has interacted with.
• Sharon Morris took home the Coach of the year award, she is a coach at Birchfield Harriers and a sprints coach to many GB junior athletes.
• Former athlete turned broadcast presenter, Jeanette Kwakye, was presented with the Track and Field Inclusion (TAFi) ‘Recognition Award’
• Glenys Morton awarded the Lloyd Cowan Bursary award for her incredible commitment to coaching Leicester Coritanian AC.

Foundation Manager of the Personal Best Foundation Amy Weaver-Tyler told us:

"I was delighted to attend the inaugural TAFi Awards on behalf of Personal Best Foundation. It was an inspiring evening celebrating the inclusivity, diversity, and community that make athletics so special. Congratulations to all the athletes recognised, including our incredible ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE, and it was especially wonderful to see young stars Teddy Wilson and Alessia Scala honoured as breakthrough young male and female athletes of the year."

England Athletics CEO added:

"We are delighted to have partnered with UKA and other organisations in delivering the inaugural TAFi awards in recognition of the inspirational contributions made to our sport by so many wonderful people and role models. Athletics is one of the most diverse, accessible, and inclusive sports, and we were delighted to be recognising the achievements of those involved in our sport and look forward to building on this year's programme as we look towards 2026 with anticipation and excitement."

Co- founder Michael Facey concluded:

"There’s only one opportunity to do things for the first time and we’re happy everyone left the event with a smile on their faces. To everyone that attended, be they athlete, fan of the sport, coach, administrators or media, thank you, the support is truly appreciated."