Ten emerging stars to watch in 2014
- Published
Ross Barkley: Everyone is talking about the Everton midfielder. Former England striker Gary Lineker calls him a "prodigious talent" and a "real star". Toffees boss Roberto Martinez believes he is "a quite incredible diamond of English football" but has urged caution over the midfielder. His warning is unlikely to be heeded if the 20-year-old makes England's 2014 World Cup squad, having already won three caps.
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Tin-Tin Ho: This London girl started playing table tennis at the age of five and is currently the cadet, junior and under-21 national champion, as well as being ranked number four in Europe in the cadet rankings. At 15, Tin-Tin is being classed as a "strong contender" to be representing England at the Commonwealth Games and hopes are high that she could contend for a medal.
Anthony Watson: The Bath rugby union full-back, 19, was called into England's senior training squad during the 2013 autumn Tests after making a huge impact on the domestic game. His team-mate Nick Abendanon told BBC Sport: "He's got all the qualities and traits that you need and if Ant carriers on playing the way he has done for Bath, then I'm sure only good things will come for him." Expect Watson, 19, to make his mark with England sooner rather than later.
Amber Hill: The 16-year-old skeet shooter won World Cup gold and equalled a world record in what was her first season of senior international competition. She then capped off an amazing 12 months by being crowned the 2013 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Amber goes into 2014 ranked number one in Great Britain and fifth in the world, which stands her in good stead ahead of Glasgow 2014.
James Woods: Woodsy, as he is better known, is a freestyle skier. His event, slopestyle, makes its debut in the Winter Olympics in Sochi and is expected to be one of the spectacles of the Games. After winning silver in the 2013 World Championships, big things are expected of the 21-year-old. Could he be the first British athlete to win an Olympic medal on snow?
Peter Kennaugh: The London 2012 team pursuit gold medallist on the track was a key member of Chris Froome's support squad for Team Sky on the road at the 2013 Tour de France, and is likely to play a similar role in 2014. The 24-year-old will also hope to help fellow Manxman Mark Cavendish to Commonwealth Games road race glory in Isle of Man colours.
Matthew Tarrant: 2013 was Matt's first full year in the elite GB rowing squad and he has really shown his potential in the water. Racing in the four during the World Cup season, the 23-year-old won a silver medal at Eton Dorney and finished fourth in Sydney. With the Rowing World Championships in August 2014, eyes will be on Matt and the team to bring home some more silverware.
Kell Brook: The Sheffield-born welterweight has been on the brink of the big time for a while. He has yet to fight for a world belt but 2014 will surely be the year. Injury has held him back but he appears fully fit now, notching up his 31st straight win in October. An all-British showdown with former world champion Amir Khan is not out of the question.
Alex Walmsley: The mobile St Helens prop, 23, has been tipped by Huddersfield Giants star and BBC pundit Eorl Crabtree as one who will come to wider attention in 2014. "With many of the best English props in Super League heading to Australia, it's time for young talent like Alex to step up," says Crabtree.
Lizzy Yarnold: The former British junior world champion is on track to become the fourth British woman to win an Olympic skeleton medal at consecutive Winter Games. The Kent slider started the new World Cup season in style, with one win and a second place from the first two races, ensuring she will head to Sochi as one of Great Britain's leading medal hopes for the Games.