A YOUNG Galashiels athlete has outlined dreams of representing Great Britain after claiming a running accolade.

The Scottish Athletics 4J Awards annual dinner was held in Glasgow on Saturday night.

The event recognises athletes, coaches, clubs, volunteers and officials.

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And 17-year-old Gala Harrier Isla Paterson picked up the Martin Hyman Junior Hill Running Award.

Paterson said: "Winning the award came as a shock but I'm really happy. I've been at Gala Harriers since I was eight and started off on track and cross country, but my coach Neil Renton suggested trying hill racing and I love it.

"I saw Neil briefly at the ceremony and he was really pleased for me.

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"The hill racing season has finished so now I'm concentrating on cross country, but I'm already looking forward to the summer and getting back on the hills. My aim is to one day wear a GB vest."

There was more for the Borders to cheer with wheelchair racer Samantha Kinghorn claiming the 4J Para Athlete of the Year award for 2023.

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Kinghorn's four medals – one gold and three silver – at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris won her the ultimate accolade from the selection panels.

She said: “It is always a nice feeling to realise via an award like this that people have been pleased to see you do well.

“You don’t always appreciate that at a championship. I had worked really hard prior to Paris but I had no idea I had four medals in me.

“The 100m gold was a shock to me in many ways even though I felt calm going into it and was looking simply to do what I do every day.

“But when I watch the race back I see that every section was executed exactly as we would hope and plan – and you don’t get that too often.”

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Kinghorn was unable to attend the event due to racing commitments at the Jed Renilson Wheelchair Race from Bonjedward to Mounthooly the following day.

There was also recognition for Peebles mountain runner Scout Adkin whose coach, Angela Mudge, was named as Performance Coach of the Year after significant success across two versions of the World Mountain Running Championships.

Each shortlist was packed with star names who delivered superb performances on the global stage during 2023.