‘The energy was electric; the 4J Awards buzzed with excitement’ – Aimee Gavin

Monday 8th December 2025

Jake and Melanie land top athlete titles

By Aimee Gavin

On Saturday 29 November, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 4J Annual Awards ceremony.

The Hilton Hotel in Glasgow buzzed with excitement from athletes, coaches, and supporters of Scottish Athletics. As a result, the energy was truly electric and as each award was announced the excitement seemed to impossibly grow.

The Guest of Honour for the evening was Christine Ohuruogu, who inspired the entire venue during her on-stage interview with Bryan Burnett.

Christine spoke of her own difficulties throughout her journey in athletics, explaining how hardships ultimately propelled her career forward. She showcased her unwavering spirit and love for athletics alongside her wish to help other athletes who faced similar issues.

Her charismatic discussion had many highlights, but her emphasis on documenting her athletics journey resonated with attendees. Christine emphasised how important her past diary entries are to her and even years later, they continue to shape her career and solidify her passion for sport.

Throughout the evening, my goal was to talk to as many attendees as possible with the intention of discovering what element of athletics in Scotland draws them in time and time again.

Award winners in club, coach, volunteer and Officials categories

Anna Hulme receives her jogscotland Achiever of the Year award from Hazel Crawford (photo by Bobby Gavin)

I had the pleasure of speaking with the winner of the jogscotland Achiever of the Year Award, Anna Hulme. Based in Carluke, Anna reflected upon why she joined her local jogscotland group and how this improved her wellbeing; placing great importance on the community and how valuable sport has become to her.

‘I run because I love to run . . . it helped me feel like part of the community again. I didn’t even expect this tonight, but it’s made everything come together.’ (Anna Hulme)

Anna was both shocked and delighted to receive her well-deserved reward, we spoke about the sense of camaraderie between athletes of all levels and how jogscotland has impacted the lives of countless Scots.

The jogscotland award and inclusion of jogscotland nominees in the 4J Awards has created a sense of companionship between all Scottish athletes and ensures those at any stage have a chance for recognition.

Alongside Anna, I spoke with her award presenter – Hazel Crawford, who has recently started her position as Head of Development and Participation for Scottish Athletics. Both Anna and Hazel left me with some advice that I believe encapsulates the sport and community all at once.

‘Do it for the people that can’t.’ (Anna Hume)

‘Remember the person behind the sport.’ (Hazel Crawford).

Ricky Taylor with fellow Honorary Life Membership recipient, Charlie Forbes (photo by Bobby Gavin)

As the evening progressed, I managed to have a quick word with Ricky Taylor who was there to celebrate his 2024 Honorary Life Membership award.

Ricky shared with me his initial surprise of his nomination, his wife had secretly put his name forward for the award.

As much as I’m sure this shocked Ricky at the time, I feel the HLM showcases the depth of support Scottish athletes receive and the endless appreciation for their talents.

When I asked Ricky if he had any advice for those coming into Scottish sport, he said: ‘Just enjoy yourself, be who you want to be.’ (Ricky Taylor).

I felt this to be especially poignant in relation to Ricky’s extended tenure in Scottish Athletics and his absolute unfaltering passion, it was truly a delight to have a chance to speak with him.

UK Athletics Chair Ian Beattie presented the Masters Athlete of the Year award to Robert McHarg (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Due to the prestigious nature of the event, some big names were in attendance. Specifically I had the chance to speak with the Chair of UK Athletics, Ian Beattie.

While our conversation was only brief, I felt it to be incredibly valuable and showcased the magnitude of support for Scottish athletes.

‘Genuine desire from everyone to see the sport to do well.’ (Ian Beattie).

I couldn’t agree with Ian more as despite the event being a competition, there was a distinct lack of competition between athletes. Every single person in attendance simply wants to see the sport do well and I truly feel that this is one of the most valuable components of the sport- the overwhelming and unyielding support from athletes, coaches and sport enthusiasts alike.

I also had a brief chat with Sharon Taylor, Chair of the West District Cross Country and Road Running Commission, who shared her feelings on the importance of fostering the talents of young athletes and the importance of supporting their drive to reach new heights.

Derek Rae was one of our keynote speakers at National Club Conference on same day as 4J Awards (photo by Bobby Gavin)

One of my first conversations of the evening was with Derek Rae, Paralympian and coach.

Derek echoed the feeling of all attendees as he highlighted the significance of the support received by Scottish athletes.

‘If you get beat, you’re still going to share a hug at the end of the day.’ (Derek Rae).

This quote from Derek particularly stood out to me as it depicts the true nature of the sport; the idea that passion is forged through competition and as a result, competitors share an unbreakable bond of friendship with a desire to see other athletes thrive.

As well as this, Derek left me with a few pieces of advice for future athletes that reflects the overall theme of the evening:.

‘Seize the moment and always believe in yourself, it starts and ends with us . . . just enjoy it!’ (Derek Rae).

As the award announcements drew to a close and more feet joined the dancefloor in celebration, I had the joy of speaking to the Scottish Athletics photographer, Bobby Gavin.

During our discussion, Bobby’s views resonated with me and his burning passion for the sport was unwavering.

‘On the track you’re in individual – but to get there, it’s a support unit.’ (Bobby Gavin)

This quote in particular showcased the true nature of Scottish Athletics and placed great value in the support given to all athletes regardless of level or status, continually fostering resilience and love for the sport. The vital nature of community and the determination of our athletes was apparent across the entire evening.

Bobby’s final advice to others reiterated this. ‘Good days and bad, take them all the same.’ (Bobby Gavin).

Throughout my time spent at the 4J Awards dinner, the sense of unwavering resolve and strength of Scottish athletes proved to be unquestionable and the community support was very clear, too.

I would like to thank those who took the time to speak with me during the evening and every attendee in general – it was a truly fantastic, unforgettable experience and the drive of the community has never been more evident.