THE nominations for the Sports Performance of the Year are;

ETHAN BIERLEY

At just 15-years-old, Ethan Brierley is aiming to become a champion in the ring and on awards night.

The promising pugilist is making a splash in his fledgling career inside the squared circle and his hoping to go pro in the future.

And despite losing his first bout against a much-more experienced opponent, he’s impressing at Ryan Watson’s gym in Marton, who has just become affiliated, so he will be able to get Ethan regular bouts in the New Year.

In fact he was named as the gym’s boxer of the year 2018 so his dedication and commitment to his sport.

And mum Diane said that she has seen a big difference in her son.

She said: “He loves it and lives for it. He trains three times a week and loves it. His first fight was a huge learning curve as it wasn’t a true match-up but Ethan did really well and it certainly hasn’t put him off.

“He has met Hughie Fury and Michael Gomez at the gym and he really looks up to them.

“Boxing him has had a really positive effect on him. He’s become more focused and more dedicated and I’m so proud of what he’s achieving.

“As a mum, it’s not easy to watch but he loves it and he’s determined to become a champion.

“But for him to be just nominated for these awards makes us feel very proud as a family.”

OLESIA WINDER

THE name Olesia Winder might not be instantly recognisable yet, but it’s worth making a note of it for future reference.

For the Leven Valley Athletics Club star is progressing nicely and has a number of titles to her name including the U13 title won when the Mid Lancs Cross Country League came to Ulverston in March.

Winder was ahead of the field in the under-13s girls’ race, her time of 9:45 some 20 seconds clear of second place as she took the win for Leven Valley.

At the time of going to press, Olesia is the leading U15 athlete in her area, second overall-ranked woman in the area and is ranked 174 in the country in her age group.

Her rate of progression has been staggering and her stats have seen her become a serious contender for bigger prizes as she grows and matures as a runner.

And she has done it all under the watchful gaze of her dad and coach Tim, who runs the Levens Valley Athletics Club.

Tim, who is also up for an award, has overseen the rapid progression of many of his charges who are making great strides at both a local and national level.

He said: “Olesia is doing really well and is part of a really good group who are pushing each other on.

“She’s progressing slowly and steadily very nicely. It’s great to see how she is coming along with her peers."

The athletes under his tutelage are representing teams at county level and are hopefully going to go even higher.

The Winders are making a big splash in athletics circles and are making headlines in the Heart of Ulverston Awards.

CURTIS ANDERSON

Adding a Heart of Ulverston Award would be another great addition to the young football star’s already impressive awards collection.

The Manchester City and England goalkeeper was part of the Lions Under-17 squad that won the Under-17 World Cup, coming from behind in the final to beat Spain.

Curtis is a product of Blackpool FC’s academy, and became a hero during the campaign, scoring and saving a penalty during England’s tense 5-3 penalty victory over Japan in the Round of 16.

Not only did he save a penalty, he also held his nerve and stepped up to score from the spot to help send his side through.

And he dedicated his World Cup winners’ medal to his late grandfather after they hammered Spain 5-2 in the final in Kolkata, India.

The City keeper has impressed Pep Guardiola and has spent some time training with Premier League champions first team.

It was a huge boost to English football that carried on to this year’s World Cup.

Now he is aiming to make his mark at the Etihad Stadium, the home of the reigning Premier League champions.

He has played for the Under-18, Under-19 and Under-23 sides at Manchester City and has already made two appearances for City’s UEFA Youth Cup side so far this campaign.

Curtis already boasts an impressive CV and has become an inspiration to young footballers all across the South Cumbria area who are looking to follow in his footsteps into the Premier League.

And the Heart of Ulverston award would look great next to his World Cup winners medal.