Fourteen accolades presented in celebration of Island sport in Douglas
The vibrant spirit of sportsmanship was on full display at the 2025 Isle of Man Sports Awards, where the achievements of local athletes were celebrated in an electrifying ceremony held at the Villa Marina in Douglas. This event has become a cherished tradition, showcasing the incredible talent nurtured on the Island over the past year. Among the highlights were two standout athletes who claimed the prestigious titles of Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year: tennis player Billy Harris and motorcycle trials rider Kaytlyn Adshead.
At the heart of the ceremony, the acclaim for Billy Harris was palpable. The 31-year-old tennis star not only captured the Sportsman of the Year award but also made headlines globally as he secured his first victory at Wimbledon. This monumental achievement, combined with his triumph in winning his first ATP Challenger Tour title, marks a significant milestone in his career. Harris embodies the dedication and hard work that the sport demands, and his journey continues to inspire budding athletes across the Isle.
Kaytlyn Adshead, the winner of the Sportswoman of the Year award, has etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Manx woman to clinch a European motorcycle trials title. Her remarkable performance doesn’t stop there; she also finished fourth in the esteemed FIM Women’s Trial World Championship. Adshead’s achievement not only reflects her individual talent but also elevates the profile of women’s sports within the Isle of Man, encouraging young females to pursue their passions in sports traditionally dominated by men.
The awards night also recognized the impressive contributions of many athletes and teams, with the Crowe brothers, Ryan and Callum, taking home the title of Sports Team of the Year for the second consecutive year. Their phenomenal victories in both the sidecar races at the Isle of Man TT and the Southern 100 Road Races, paired with record-breaking lap times, solidified their reputation as elite competitors in motor racing.
In addition to individual and team accolades, the ceremony also acknowledged the significant impact of coaches and veterans in the athletic community. Christa Cain was honored as the Veteran Sportsperson of the Year, a testament to her endurance and sustained excellence in athletics. This recognition of seasoned athletes highlights the essential role they play in mentoring and inspiring the next generation.
The evening further celebrated the achievements of young athletes, with Regan Corrin and Sienna Dunn earning the Under-21 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards, respectively. Their dedication and success signify the bright future of sports in the Isle of Man, and their achievements serve as motivation for peers and younger athletes alike.
Coaching also received its due recognition, with Orran Smith being named Sports Coach of the Year. His guidance and mentorship have contributed immensely to the growth and success of his athletes, fostering a competitive spirit and encouraging excellence.
The awards featured a spectrum of recognitions including the Disability Sportsperson of the Year, awarded to Alfie Bezance for his outstanding achievements in powerlifting, and the reigniting courage seen in Chantelle Limerick as she received the Leonie Cooil Courage & Inspiration Award. These recognitions showcase the diversity in sports and inspire individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
Les Callow received the Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his over five-decade-long dedication to squash. His commitment to nurturing and developing the sport locally stands as a beacon of dedication, reinforcing the importance of long-term contributions to community sports.
In total, the 2025 Isle of Man Sports Awards encompassed 14 distinct honors, celebrating the best of local talent. The full list of winners reflects a rich tapestry of athletic achievement that bolsters community pride and inspires future generations of athletes to excel in their respective fields.
2025 Isle of Man Sports Awards winners
Sportsman of the Year – Billy Harris (Tennis)
Sportswoman of the Year – Kaytlyn Adshead (Motorcycle Trials)
Sports Team of the Year – Ryan Crowe & Callum Crowe (Motorsport)
Sports Coach of the Year – Orran Smith (Athletics)
Veteran Sportsperson of the Year – Christa Cain (Athletics)
Disability Sportsperson of the Year – Alfie Bezance (Powerlifting & Para Powerlifting)
IoM Sports Ambassador Award – Becky Storrie (Cycling)
Achievement on the Isle of Man Award – Albert Johnson (Athletics)
Lifetime Achievement Award – Les Callow (Squash)
Under-21 Sportsman of the Year – Regan Corrin (Athletics)
Under-21 Sportswoman of the Year – Sienna Dunn (Hockey)
Sports Administrator of the Year – Gary Jakeman & Jill Gillings (Island Games)
Leonie Cooil Courage & Inspiration Award – Chantelle Limerick (Equestrian)
Sports Leader of the Year – Caitlyn Hampson