Stars inducted to England Athletics Hall of Fame

Eight new inductees added to England Athletics Hall of Fame at evening of celebration in Birmingham

World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon, who won a world silver medal in the 110m hurdles in 1987 and competed for Great Britain at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics, was one of eight athletes added to England Athletics’ Hall of Fame, on an evening when the sport’s athletes and volunteers were honoured at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole (October 15).

Ridgeon also founded a sports marketing agency called FastTrack and has since gone on to work as CEO for World Athletics.

“It is wonderful to be in a room full of inspirational people who are so passionate about the sport,” he told England Athletics. “On my table is my coach Mike Whittingham who made an enormous contribution to my development. Since retiring, I have had some wonderful roles in sport and to work at World Athletics is a great privilege.”

Another athlete who picked up their award in person on the night was Olympic and high jump bronze medallist Steve Smith. In 1996, the Liverpudlian became Britain’s first Olympic high jump medallist since Con Leahy in 1908. Smith’s personal best of 2.38m, set indoors in 1994, still stands as the British record.

First up this evening, we will be joined by Shaun Pickering to present the winners of the @RunforRon Athlete of the Year Awards. The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund supports aspiring young athletes who have shown their dedication to the sport 👏🤩 pic.twitter.com/4eFl4psY4r

— England Athletics (@EnglandAthletic) October 15, 2022

Other inductees to the hall of fame included: Dean Macey, Sophie Hitchon, Keith Connor, Howard Payne, Percy Hodge and John Isaacs.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah Azu, Yemi Mary John and Cleo Agyepong – all who won major medals at either senior or junior level this year – were crowned England U23, U20 and U18 athletes of the year respectively.

Rising 800m stars Ethan Hussey and Abigail Ives, the former winning world U20 bronze over the distance in Colombia earlier this year, picked up deserving awards.

Coaches Paul Head and the husband and wife team of Chris and Sonia McGeorge were also honoured.

National Athletics League achievements celebrated 

Paul Halford reflects on a night which saw athletes and volunteers recognised for their achievements in 2022 

Scott Lincoln, Hayley McLean, Jacob Paul and Amelia Strickler were named National Athletics League athletes of the year while Thames Valley Harriers were also formally…