Pride of Guernsey: Rhiannon Dowinton

RHIANNON DOWINTON is a devoted athlete who has been nominated for the Young Achiever of the Year Award, sponsored by St Pierre Park Hotel.

Aged just 16, she has had a great track and field season and has continued to excel in her favoured discipline of hurdling.

The Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre student is a recent county champion over the 300m hurdles and enjoyed a busy Island Games debut in Gibraltar.

She was selected for four events but her most notable success came with winning a senior title in the 100m hurdles.

‘Rhiannon has an understanding of race tactics well beyond her years,’ the anonymous nominator said.

‘She’s always willing to learn and put this into practice to better herself.

‘She had barely run the senior high hurdles before Gibraltar, but she adapted her rhythm to the windy conditions and beat two really experienced Island Games athletes.

‘She really applies herself both inside and outside athletics.’