BREAKING: Ellie Robinson, Lauren Rowles, Jess Stretton, and Tom Hamer Named in 2025 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Top Ten..

BREAKING: Ellie Robinson, Lauren Rowles, Jess Stretton, and Tom Hamer Named in 2025 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Top Ten

By Edwin Ushahemba

In a major announcement that has set the sporting world alight, the BBC has unveiled the top ten contenders for the prestigious 2025 Young Sports Personality of the Year award — and at the heart of the excitement are four inspirational athletes: Ellie Robinson, Lauren Rowles, Jess Stretton, and Tom Hamer. Together, these young stars represent not just a new generation of British athletic excellence, but also the resilience, determination, and character that define true champions.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of an extraordinary year for all four athletes, who were recently recognized with a combined $90 million in awards and endorsements, making headlines globally for their stellar performances and incredible influence on and off the field. Their inclusion in the top ten for one of the UK’s most coveted youth sports honors reflects a year of remarkable achievements and growing global impact.

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A Quartet of Champions

Ellie Robinson – Swimming Against All Odds

Ellie Robinson, already a household name in British Paralympic swimming, has once again proven herself to be a powerhouse in the pool. The 2025 season saw her break national records and dominate international events, showing no signs of slowing down. At just 23, Robinson’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Born with Perthes disease, a condition that affects the hip joint, Robinson has never let adversity define her. Instead, she has carved out a path of excellence, becoming a two-time Paralympic medalist by the age of 17 and continuing to build her legacy. This year, her gold-medal-winning performance at the World Para Swimming Championships captivated the nation, reminding fans of her resilience and undying passion for her sport.

“I’ve always believed that limitations are just starting points,” Robinson said in a recent interview. “To be recognized by the BBC again is such an honor. I hope to inspire more young people to chase their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face.”

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Lauren Rowles – The Power of Persistence

Lauren Rowles, a dominant force in para-rowing, has had a monumental 2025. Teaming with her long-time partner, she secured yet another gold medal in the PR2 mixed double sculls at the World Rowing Championships. Her athleticism, mental toughness, and poise under pressure have earned her admiration far beyond the rowing community.

At 27, Rowles continues to be a role model, particularly for young women and those with disabilities looking to break into elite sport. Injured at age 13 and paralyzed from the waist down, her transition from wheelchair racing to rowing was nothing short of extraordinary. Now, with multiple world titles and Paralympic golds, she’s become an icon of British sport.

“Sport gave me back my identity,” Rowles stated in a BBC special feature. “It taught me how to be strong, how to work as a team, and how to lead by example. This nomination means so much because it’s not just about medals — it’s about impact.”

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Jess Stretton – A Target for Greatness

At just 25, Jess Stretton continues to aim higher, both literally and figuratively. A Paralympic gold medalist in archery, Stretton’s 2025 campaign was marked by precision, power, and poise. Her performance at the Para Archery World Cup was nearly flawless, with a series of perfect rounds that left both fans and critics in awe.

Stretton’s calm demeanor under pressure and her meticulous focus have made her a standout in her sport. Having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, she turned to archery at a young age and quickly found it to be the perfect blend of mental challenge and physical discipline.

This year, she has also been praised for her advocacy work, using her platform to promote inclusion in sports and access for athletes with disabilities. “I want every child to know they belong in sport,” she said at a recent youth sports forum. “Recognition like this helps amplify that message.”

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Tom Hamer – Making Waves and History

Tom Hamer, one of Britain’s top Paralympic swimmers, continues to add to his growing list of accomplishments. After a triumphant performance at this year’s European Para Swimming Championships, where he secured three gold medals, Hamer’s name has been elevated among the all-time greats in British swimming.

At 26, Hamer has spent over a decade in the spotlight, making his international debut at 15 and earning silver at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games. His 2025 season has been widely regarded as his best yet, showcasing both his physical maturity and strategic brilliance in the pool.

“I’ve always believed in giving it everything I have, every single race,” Hamer told BBC Sport. “Being named in the top ten is a dream. It shows how far we’ve come as athletes and as a movement.”

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BBC Recognition and the $90 Million Impact

This year’s top ten list is not only a celebration of athletic ability, but also a reflection of the shifting landscape in sports marketing and investment. The $90 million in combined awards and endorsements attributed to Robinson, Rowles, Stretton, and Hamer speaks volumes about their marketability, influence, and the growing recognition of para-sports on a global scale.

Corporate sponsors, foundations, and sports federations are increasingly backing these athletes, seeing them as not only elite competitors but also inspirational figures who represent progress, diversity, and excellence.

The BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award, first presented in 1999, has long been a launchpad for young British athletes. Past winners include Tom Daley, Wayne Rooney, and Emma Raducanu. The inclusion of four para-athletes this year marks a powerful moment of inclusivity and progress.

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Looking Ahead

As the voting period begins, anticipation is building around who will take home the top prize later this year. Regardless of the final result, the 2025 shortlist is already being celebrated as one of the most inspiring and groundbreaking in the award’s history.

For Ellie Robinson, Lauren Rowles, Jess Stretton, and Tom Hamer, the nomination is more than just another accolade — it’s a testament to years of hard work, sacrifice, and the power of sport to break barriers. Win or lose, they’ve already left a lasting legacy on British sport and inspired millions.

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Stay tuned for more coverage on the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Awards and exclusive interviews with the nominees.