A paralympic cycling coach from Stockport has won a prestigious national award for his role in training world-class athletes.

John Hewitt, lead Paralympic coach with the Great Britain Cycling Team in Manchester, was named 'High Performance Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards.

The awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious event in the UK coaching community. John's particular accolade is awarded to those who "who drive excellence at the highest levels of sport".

John has a remarkable record of training some of Britain's top Paralympians - he's been directly involved in no less than 39 percent of ParalympicGB's medals since 2020 alone.

After being presented with his award, John said he was 'thrilled' and 'really proud'.

"It's great to represent all the coaches in our team and the UK Sport system", he said.

"I'm very fortunate to work with an amazing group of athletes and to have been part of their stories to win medals at Rio, Tokyo and Paris.

"To have shared the highs and the lows and see what they're capable of at the Olympic Games has been brilliant."

John was singled out for recognition as a result of his 'genuine care' for the riders in understanding their wider needs, building their confidence, and supporting them beyond sport.

He puts together performance plans for each rider, which evolve with their ability, identifying and plugging performance gaps.

Previous winners at the UK Coaching Awards include Judy Murray and Aston Moore (Lifetime Achievement award), Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman (Great Coaching Moment of the Year), and the coaches behind Lucy Bronze and Katarina Johnson-Thompson's path to success (Coaching Chain award).

UK Coaching's CEO Mark Gannon praised John Hewitt's 'profound' efforts and impact in coaching.

"At UK Coaching, we are so proud to be able to honour coaches like John with UK Coaching Awards each year", Mr Gannon said.

"John, and all of our winners, finalists and nominees should take extreme pride in what they have achieved and been recognised for by those in their communities.

"Great coaching and coaches make such an impact on individuals' lives and within their communities, helping to keep a whole nation active.

"It is so important that we recognise and celebrate great coaching.

"It is also key we acknowledge the tireless commitment and amazing work coaches across the nation deliver to support participants in their own unique journeys. 

"John is one of the nation's top coaches who has helped to change so many lives through his dedication."  

Find out more about this year's winners and the awards here.

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