Brother and sister, Eli, 11, and Ella, eight, Lamb, are the latest winners of the John Thornton Young Achiever of the Year award, funded by Wimborne Rotary.

Both of them have been riding BMX bikes since they were toddlers and have developed their skills to now compete at national level.

The award comes with a bursary of £500 which will help to make their dream of competing at this year’s World championships more achievable.
Currently training and racing with Bournemouth BMX Club, they race all over the south region at various clubs.

Having dipped into a couple of National rounds, they realised they wanted to keep going in this exciting sport and there are skills to gain and ways to improve all the time.

In 2022 Eli finished third Nationally and sixth in the British Championships in the biggest represented age category.

Ella went on to repeat her successes of 2021 by winning all her national races and becoming British Champion again in her age group.

As a result, they have both qualified to compete at the World Championships in Glasgow in August this year.

Ron Franks, Wimborne Rotary president, said: “We usually make an individual award but the way these youngsters have both progressed in their sport makes their achievements inseparable. We wish them success in the World Championships.

“I am also pleased to announce that we are extending our partnership with the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation to sustain this Young Achiever Award process for a further three years”, he added.