Isle of Man Sports Awards: Island Games gold medallists shortlisted

Rachael Franklin secured four medals at the 2023 Island Games in Guernsey

Gold medal winning Island Games athletes lead the nominations for the top awards in Manx sport.

Swimmer Joel Watterson and runner Rachael Franklin have been shortlisted for Isle of Man sportsman and sportswoman of the year accolades.

Also on the list are road racers Joe Yeardsley and Ryan Cringle, cyclists Lizzie Holden and Becky Storrie, and former winner equestrian Yasmin Ingham.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 28 February.

Island Games competitors Watterson and Franklin were part of a team of almost 200 Manx athletes who earned 63 medals in total, taking the Isle of Man to third overall in the table behind the Channel Islands.

Watterson secured a haul of five gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the pool, while Franklin won three gold and one silver on the track and in marathon events.

Joel Watterson (left) was part of the Manx swimming team, which won 20 of the island's 63 medals

Those eligible for the awards must be Manx-born or have lived on the island for at least two years to be eligible.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Julie Edge said the awards were a "great platform to honour some of the outstanding performers" in the past year.

Executive chairman at Isle of Man Sport Sarah Corlett said Manx athletes had represented the island "with pride and professionalism" and the awards were a "great way to hear their stories and celebrate their achievements".

The awards ceremony will be held at the Villa Marina in Douglas.

Sportswoman of the Year

• Nikki Arthur (athletics)

• Rachael Franklin (athletics)

• Sarah Astin (athletics)

• Sarah Webster (athletics)

• Yasmin Ingham (equestrian)

• Erika Kelly (athletics)

• Lizzie Holden (cycling)

• Becky Storrie (cycling)

Sportsman of the Year

• David Mularkey (athletics)

• Matthew Rennie (boxing)

• Bevan Rodd (rugby union)

• Joe Yeardsley (motor sport)

• Jed Etchells (motor sport)

• Ryan Cringle (motor sport)

• Joel Watterson (swimming)