Four of Cumbria’s young sporting have been recognised in the Cumbria Sport Awards.

England star Georgia Stanway picked up the Cumbria Personality Award it was British Taekwondo champion Gabriella Pettigrew, from Kendal, who is the Junior Sports Personality of the Year.

In September Gabriella took part in the British Taekwondo Nationals winning the event without losing a single round.

This win makes her a three time British Champion at the age of 10 years old.

Not only the British Champion Gabriella is also the current Scottish Open Champion 2023, Current Welsh National Champion, Ultimate Open Champion 2023, Ultimate Winter Open Champion 2023 and Lanarkshire Open Champion 2023.

Three Rising Star Awards were made to talented athletes who have demonstrated their potential through their achievements during the year:

The first Rising Star was awarded to Jake Armitstead from Kendal who is excelling in Ski Racing.

In August 23, 14-year old Jake was presented with the trophy for most improved U14/16 boy/girl on dry slope or Alpine by Snowsports England.

In September Jake became the U16 British Dry Slope Ski Champion following an incredible year being on the podium in the majority of dry slope and indoor races over the summer season around the UK.

With a full calendar of achievements Jake is definitely one to watch out for on the slopes and he has already been selected as a dry slope ambassador by Snowsports England to promote dryslope skiing and help the younger, less experienced skiers.

The second Rising Star went to Amber Rigg from the world of swimming.

15-year old Amber’s hard work has reaped much success in the swimming pool this year with achievements including success at the County Championships January/February 2023 and the Northwest Regional Championships in March 2023.

Amber who is from Carlisle, qualified for two events at the British Championships in April and qualified for eight individual swims at the British Summer Age Group Championships in July achieving a total of five medals – three silver and two bronze.

Amber has broken a number of age group and junior County Records this year and her talent has been recognised nationally, being selected for the England National Youth Development Programme 2023/24.

The third Rising Star award went to seven year old Frankie McMillan from the world of Fell-hiking and mountain-climbing

This year Frankie who is from Drigg, broke an international sporting record, and put one of Cumbria‘s finest sporting pastimes well and truly on the map as well as inspiring a new generation with their fell climbing and mountain adventures.

In September 2023, Frankie became the youngest Briton to summit the highest peak, Mytikas, on Mount Olympus in Greece, one of Europe’s highest mountains.

This huge achievement came just two weeks after he completed his 214th and final Wainwright, including England’s highest mountain, Cumbria’s own Scafell Pike.

In addition, Frankie has raised a huge amount of money for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and become a media sensation with interviews and appearances in newspapers and magazines and on TV and Radio stations across the world.

Frankie is living embodiment of the environment and opportunity Cumbria has to offer young people seeking physical activity and adventure.

At only seven years old he is an inspiration to anyone, young and old, to get outside and move for the sheer fun of it and for their physical, emotional and mental well-being.

The three Rising Stars and Junior Sports Personality will all receive a sports massage voucher from DAHM Academy.