Simon Byrne and Holly Scott have been named the Swindon Harriers athletes of the year for 2023.

The pair received their awards from former World 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene at the club’s annual awards evening held at the Swindon Supermarine FC HQ on Friday.

“We had a really good final meeting of the coaches to discuss selection and in most categories, there were two or three genuine contenders whereas four or five years ago we were struggling in virtually every category,” said Bryan Clinton, the club’s coaching co-ordinator.

“There were a few contenders for the women’s award, but Holly just shaded it and deserved it for her body of work whereas really Simon was head and shoulders above everyone to win the men’s title again.”

Byrne, now 35, really is enjoying a golden period of racing impressing on the road, cross country and track.

He said: “It was a bit of a surprise as I thought they would give the cup to someone else and I certainly wouldn’t get it two years in a row.

“But I’m really pleased to get the cup again – I expect everyone else is getting a bit annoyed at seeing me with it now!”

Scott had already collected a hatful of other awards before the 14-year-old hammer thrower stepped up to receive the big one of the night.

“I was surprised as I had already won a few other things, but I was so pleased as that was the award I really wanted, it is such a nice cup,” said Scott.

Scott also won the best female performance of the year for her bronze medal at the England U15 Championships, the U15s field event award and Tony's 'League of Champions' trophy for most championship medals over the season.

The best male performance award went to sprinter Jonathan Dumbutshena, who became the club’s first sprinter to win a national title with his gold medal in the 200m at the England U15 Championships.

Awards for the best club athlete of the year went to Rachel Oram and Oakley Hogan respectively.

Hogan also won an award for the best field performance in his age group with Oram also collecting the U20s cross country award.

“Overall, it was a really good evening for the club,” added Clinton.