Beth Tweddle urges people to pick their Athlete of the Year for this year's National Lottery Awards

Today, the Olympic bronze medallist and former world champion announced the 10 athletes from across the UK whose sporting exploits over the last few months has earned them a place on the shortlist who will now face a public vote.

The National Lottery Athlete of the Year category recognises the performances and legacy of our sporting heroes and showcases the impact of National Lottery funding on elite sport.

Since National Lottery funding for Olympic and Paralympic sport started in 1997, British athletes have won more than 1,000 medals across the Summer and Winter Games.

Many of those who captured the nation’s imagination and struck gold in Beijing and Birmingham have been supported by the £30 million raised every week by players of The National Lottery.

The shortlisted athletes in this year’s National Lottery Awards Athlete of the Year category are:

• Delicious Orie – Boxing
• Alice Tai – Para Swimming
• Emily Campbell – Weightlifting
• Laura Kenny – Cycling
• Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix – Diving
• Jake Jarman – Gymnastics
• Neil & Andrew Simpson – Para Alpine Skiing
• Eilish McColgan – Athletics
• Olivia Breen – Para Athletics
• Michaela Walsh – Boxing

The victorious athlete (or athletes) will receive an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy.

Throwing her support behind this year’s nominees, Beth Tweddle said: “I am delighted to announce the shortlist for The National Lottery Athlete of the Year as part of the 2022 National Lottery Awards.

“In 2022, we had a Winter Olympics & Paralympics, as well as a home Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, so there really is an incredible range of outstanding athletes to choose from.

“These athletes are not only world-class sporting heroes, but role models who show just what you can achieve if you pursue your passions.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference that National Lottery funding can make in enabling athletes to train full time, access to some of the best coaching and facilities in the world and realise their dreams.

“So please, get voting for any of these incredible athletes – they're counting on your support.”

To vote, go to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter with the hashtag #NLAwards. Voting in the Athlete of the Year category opens at 9am on Monday 22 August and will conclude on Wednesday 31 August.