by Stuart Weir
Dame Mary Peters with Mark Woods, Chair of BAWA, photo by Stuart Weir
James Mulligan, European Athletics media manager, with Laura Muir, BAWA athlete of year, photo by Stuart Weir
My meeting with Stu Weir several years ago was most fortiutous. Not only did I find a thoughtful writer, but a man with which I can disuss philosophy and the power of faith. A man who lives by example, and a man who can crack me up at a moments notice, Stuart is enjoyed by the athletes for his wry sense of humor.
At the recent 55th British Athletics Writers’ Association (BAWA) Awards in London, there was no surprises when Mo Farah was voted male athlete of the year and Laura Muir, female athlete of the year. Laura said that she was attending the awards on effectively her first day off since London 2017. As well as 4th and sixth in the World Championships, Muir won double gold in the European Indoors this year.
Muir said that the award meant a great deal to her, having been chosen by a group of people who were experts in the sport. I am sure that is the first time journalists have been described like that! Veterinary student, Muir, told the gathering that she was currently studying cardiology in horses. She graduates next summer and will become a full-time athlete, while continuing some involvement in her future career.
The male para athlete of the year was Jonnie Peacock and the female winner Sammi Kinghorn, both gold medallists at London 2017. The Junior awards went to high jumper Tom Gale and sprint hurdler, Alicia Barrett.
Dame Mary Peters was awarded the Ron Pickering Memorial Award for Services to Athletics, particularly for her work supporting young sports people and the community at large in Northern Ireland The 78 year old who won Pentathlon gold in the 1972 Munich Olympics, received her award from Ron Pickering’s son, Shaun.
There was a lifetime coaching award for Bud Baldaro, whose athletes have included 2011 World 1500 silver medallist, Hannah England.
