KIRSTY Miller says her nomination in the Oxfordshire Sports Awards is a huge achievement not only on a personal level, but also for taekwon-do.

The 27-year-old won six medals at the European Championships and World Championships in 2017, earning her a place on the shortlist for the sportswoman of the year accolade.

The primary school teacher, from Didcot, admitted news of her recognition was a shock, but is delighted it has meant what many regard as a ‘minor’ sport has been in the headlines.

Miller, who captained England at the European Championships helping secure three team bronze medals and an individual silver, is up against Gemma Bridge and Cara Gainer.

But whatever happens at the ceremony tomorrow night, she will look back on the last 12 months with pride.

“I was massively surprised,” she said.

“It’s a big honour and I am really excited about it.

“It’s been an amazing year for me and this caps it.

“It’s great that other people have put me forward and it’s a big thing for the sport too.

“Taekwon-do does not get a lot of recognition so it’s great on that front.”

Oxford City athlete Bridge made big strides in race walking, having only taken up the sport full time in February.

The 24-year-old represented Great Britain in the World Championships last summer and capped a great year with a call-up to England’s team for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

“When I found out I was one of the three, it was a proud feeling,” she said.

“The whole year has been a bit of a whirlwind.

“Because I have been away at university and now in Leeds for quite a while, it’s especially nice that people at home are aware of what I am doing.

“Winning would be amazing, but being up against the other two girls I know it is going to be tricky.

“My parents are very proud and it would be nice for them if I won.”

Golfer Cara Gainer completes the shortlist after a superb 2017 saw her win the English Women’s Amateur Matchplay Championship and the Oxfordshire County Championship.

“I was training in Orlando when I found out,” she said.

“We’ve got a golfing Whatsapp group for our elite golfers at the club and one of them had seen it.

“They told me I had been nominated and it was a bit crazy.”