Double delight for Sammi Kinghorn as Jedburgh running festival returns
Last updated 30th Oct 2023
It was a big weekend for Borders wheelchair racer Samantha Kinghorn.
The 27-year-old was crowned Para Athlete of the Year at Scottish Athletics annual awards on Saturday night.
And then, on Sunday, the former Earlston High School pupil was first female home in the wheelchair race at Jedburgh Running Festival.
Sammi was one of four Paralympians to take part in the Borders event - with Nathan Maguire first to cross the finish line. Fellow GB stars Hannah Cockcroft and Melanie Woods also made the trip.
"Although it's like the end of the season, I wouldn't miss it," Sammi told Greatest Hits Radio. "I like coming up here and being part of it."
READ MORE: Man caught firing gun near busy road in Galashiels is jailed
It capped another amazing year for Samantha, who took home four medals from the World Para Champs in Paris - including a gold in the T53 100m. She also scooped silver in the 800m, 400m, and Universal Relay, and was chosen as joint captain for the GB&NI team.
On her latest award, she added: "It's mad! When we race, you don't think about awards - you don't think you're going to win awards. But, when you do, it's almost like recognition that your country is watching and supporting you, and impressed by what I'm doing; although I just love what I do, and I'm so lucky that I get to do something I love every day."
READ MORE: Warning over scheduled operations as health services in the Borders remain under 'extreme pressure'
Hundreds of runners of all ages and abilities are recovering today after taking part in the annual Jedburgh Running Festival at the weekend. It was the first time the event - which also included the 38-mile ultra, half marathon and 10k - has been held in full since Covid.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/