HAVING been awarded second place at the ceremony for SportsAid’s prestigious One-to-Watch Award, Pangbourne’s Daniel Atkins believes his latest achievement will take him to even greater heights in 2020.

After claiming the world and European Junior titles in the men’s K1 200m, the canoeing star was chosen as one of 10 nominees for the annual One-to-Watch Award, selected from around 1,000 rising British stars supported by SportsAid across more than 60 different sports in 2019.

The 18-year-old attended the ceremony at Sea Containers House in central London alongside SportsAid alumni such as Christine Ohuruogu, Leon Taylor and Lutalo Muhammad, but just missed out on the award as para-swimming sensation Ellie Challis was named the winner.

Although the night did not end in ultimate success for Atkins, the kayaker admitted the whole evening had been one to savour.

He said: “The other nine people on the shortlist are all absolutely incredible athletes, so to be named among them and then second overall is outstanding.

“It’s quite humbling to see some of the people who have been recognised in the past, and to know that my efforts are up there with theirs makes you realise you’re doing something really substantial.

“I trained hard all year and had to sacrifice time at school and with friends, but the success has made it all worth it and I’ve had a massive amount of support from everyone around me.”

Launched in 2006, the One-to-Watch Award has gained a strong reputation for identifying the best up-and-coming prospects in Britain.

Diving world champion Tom Daley was the inaugural winner, with the likes of Courtney Tulloch, Amber Hill, Morgan Lake and now Challis following in his footsteps.

Previous winners have already amassed 43 senior medals from Olympic and Paralympic Games, World and European Championships, as well as Commonwealth Games, to establish themselves as household names.

For Atkins, the nomination is just the beginning and the he is determined to follow in his idols' footsteps in 2020.

“Next year I step up to the under-23s and I’d love to compete at a senior level as well,” he added.

“It’s a big development year so I’m going to focus on progressing, getting to the best competitions and doing the best I can.

“My ultimate ambition is to step on the podium at the Olympics one day – that is something I’ve always dreamt of. I’ve had a good start to my kayaking career and I’d love to carry that on.”

SportsAid’s prestigious One-to-Watch Award was presented at the charity’s Celebrate the Next event, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada, in London. Please visit www.sportsaid.org.uk for further information.