CHAMPION gymnast Ben Goodall, from Harwell, is in the running for an honour at this year’s Oxfordshire Sports Awards.

The shortlists for the 2015 event were released today, with the King Alfred’s Academy student appearing in the junior sportsperson of the year category.

Goodall has just returned from Portugal where, representing Great Britain, he won the junior gold medal in the Trampoline and Tumbling Loulé Cup.

The 17-year-old held a lead of 2.8 points after two excellent displays in the qualifying runs for the final.

Goodall extended his lead in the final to five points after the first run, to be one run away from the biggest moment of his career. He landed solidly with not a step out of place – and won a gold for Britain.

Goodall has been nominated alongside fellow academy pupil Polly Hitchens in the Oxon Sports Awards.

Hitchens has been selected for the senior Great Britain gymnastics team after starring in the English Championships.

Didcot Netball Club’s Julie McDermaid is shortlisted for coach of the year, as is Nikki Woodward, from Abingdon Gymnastics Club – who could complete a double success after being named in the club of the year shortlist.

Didcot Girls’ Schools’ footballers are in the junior sports team of the year category, after completing a hat-trick of national titles.

The newly-formed school of the year category, sees King Alfred’s Academy and Sunningwell School flying the flag for the Herald, competing against Blessed George Napier (Banbury) and Whitchurch.

Richard Thompson, who started up a new boccia – a sport related to bowls – group in Wootton, is in the final three for the disability award.

Wantage’s Gary Dent is in the running for the unsung hero award for helping to start up Oxford City Stars’ ice hockey team.

The winners will be announced at the awards night, held at the Kassam Stadium on Friday, November 27.

Tickets for the event, priced at £40 for adults and £20 for under 18s are on sale.

More information at oxspa.co.uk or by calling Zoe O’Neill on 01865 252676.

SHORTLIST Sportsman of year: Jack Brooks (cricket), Zac Payne (cycle speedway), Bradley Smith (MotoGP).

Sportswoman of year: Demi Lambourne (football), Nichola Simpson (archery), Izzy Taylor (equestrian).

Club of year: Abingdon Gymnastics Club, Banbury & District Canoe Club, Thame Town Cricket Club.

Team of year: Oxford City Lions Futsal, Oxford School of Gymnastics, Oxford University Women’s Archery team.

Coach of year: Jeremy Bristoe (rugby), Julie McDermaid (netball), Nikki Woodward (gymnastics).

Junior sportsperson: Ben Goodall (gymnastics), Polly Hitchens (gymnastics),Jade O’Dowda (athletics), Rosie Weston (triathlon).

Junior sports team: City of Oxford swimming, Didcot Girls School Under 15 football, Oxford Academy football.

Disability award: Minster Lovell Cricket Club, Richard Thomson (bocchia), Witney Wolves (rugby).

Unsung hero: Nigel Boulter (football), Gary Dent (ice hockey), Ann Workman (athletics).

Young Volunteer: Bel Lovell (rugby), Nicholas Pinhol (cricket), Chloe Smart (football & ice hockey).

Sporting school: Blessed George Napier, King Alfred’s Academy, Sunningwell Primary, Whitchurch Primary.

l Shortlist was selected by a judging panel from all teams/individuals nominated