Sporting Equals Awards returns for 2026
England Athletics is delighted to be supporting the Sporting Equals Awards for 2026. The awards celebrate sporting excellence within ethnically diverse communities.
A key supporter from the start, this year we will continue to sponsor the 'Coach of the Year' category, an award which Loughborough-based, Leon Baptiste, has previously been recognised.
Speaking about the importance of supporting the Sporting Equals Awards, England Athletics CEO, Chris Jones, said:
"As an original partner of the Sporting Equals Awards, I am delighted that we continue to celebrate the vital contributions of those from ethnically diverse communities across the UK. Athletics and running is a truly diverse sport and welcomes participants, volunteers and fans from all backgrounds and corners of the world. As we continue to place inclusion at the centre of England Athletics, the Sporting Equals Awards stand as the perfect opportunity to honour those who dedicate their life, time and commitment to their sports and communities."
Previous athletics success
England Athletics athletes and coaches have had fantastic previous success at the Awards, including:
- Katarina Johnson Thompson – Sportswoman of the year
- Zharnel Hughes – Sportsman of the year
- Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker – Rising Star of the year
- Ayesha Jones – Young Sportsperson of the year
- Leon Baptiste – Coach of the year
Get nominating!
Nominations for the Sporting Equals Awards are currently open, and it would be fantastic to celebrate the amazing contributions of those in the athletics and running community. There are nine awards open for nomination with two closed awards:
- England Athletics Coach of the Year
- LTA Tennis Foundation Community Tennis Award
- Mind Wellbeing Award
- Sport England Community Sports Project of the Year
- Sportsman of the Year
- Sportswoman of the Year
- Swim England Aquatics Champion
- The FA Community Champion of the Year
- Young Sports Person of the Year
Nominations close on 12 February and voting will open on 4 March 2026.