Jasmin Paris‘ feat of becoming the first woman to finish the infamous Barkley Marathons is on the shortlist for ‘Moment of the Year’ at the Scottish Sports Awards.
Paris rewrote the record books – and re-defined what is possible – with her performance at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee in March.
The ultrarunning legend had 60 hours to try and complete five brutal laps through incredibly challenging terrain and with the equivalent elevation gain of climbing Mount Everest twice.
But she did so with just 99 seconds to spare to become only the 20th person – and the first female – to complete the challenge in the event’s history.
Female role models
That made headlines around the world and she was also awarded the MBE for services to fell and long-distance running in the King’s Birthday Honours.
When she was awarded the MBE she said of her Barkley Marathons achievement: “Even at that time it felt like I’d done it for women across the world, becoming the first woman to finish it.
“So it feels like I’m sort of getting the award on behalf of all those women trying new things and breaking through glass ceilings everywhere.”
And she has also spoken passionately about the importance of having female role models and equal media coverage as being key factors in encouraging young girls to take up sports.
Mostly male shortlist
And as the year draws to a close she will no doubt be in the running for many other awards, starting with the ‘Moment of the Year’ at the Scottish Sports Awards where she is in similarly select company – but is the only female.
Tennis star Andy Murray’s comeback heroics at the Olympics, golfer Robert MacIntyre’s Genesis Scottish Open success and Scott Brash jumping clear for Olympic Team Showjumping gold are all nominated.
As is Ben Sandilands for his world-breaking 1500m run at the Paralympics, Josh Kerr for winning gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow and Gordon Reid for his Paralympics tennis doubles gold.
The list is rounded off by Glasgow Warriors’ victory at the United Rugby Championship.
The winner will be announced at the event on 4 December.
