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Footballer Alex Scott has thanked fans across the Channel Islands after being named the Sports Personality of the Year.
Him mum and grandad collected the trophy on his behalf on Thursday night as he was in the UK where he plays for Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Both were reduced to tears when they took to the stage while Alex spoke via video link as he prepares for Bournemouth's clash against Fulham this afternoon.
He had been pitted against three other young athletes for the main prize at the 2023 Betway Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year awards.
Guernsey cyclist Sam Culverwell, Guernsey triathlete Josh Lewis, and Jersey table tennis player Hannah Silcock were also shortlisted and received votes from the public.
Alex's grandad, Essie Scott said he had thought Sam would win while Alex's mum, Stephanie Allen was equally surprised and thrilled he had won.
Pictured: Alex Scott's mum Stephanie Allen and grandad Essie Scott.
"It's been a long journey, and poor Alex has had setbacks with [an] injury," said Stephanie.
"He wanted to continue doing football and he [knew he'd] have to leave the island, because as much as he enjoyed playing Priaulx League and then GFC, he's always wanted to be a footballer, even from when he used to sleep with a football next to him.
"He used to wear a kit under any clothes that he had to wear; if we were going anywhere, there was a kit underneath... so it's always been there.
"And then, of course, he got injured [ACL injury] - that was painful, and when I saw him on that pitch the second time... I knew it was bad as soon as I saw him.
"An ACL injury for any sports person is horrendous and Alex's brother has had one as well, and I've felt for both of them, and it's so hard. Any sportsman's only a minute away from an injury and that's why every time either of my sons play football, I always feel nervous and you never know."
Thursday's gala awards evenings included a Q&A session with special guest Richard Parks.
The former Welsh international and Ruby Union player spoke about his career being cut short by injury, leaving him depressed before he found a passion for mountaineering and extreme challenges.
"I'm in awe of that guy, and I'm an Irish rugby supporter," laughed Mr Scott. "He's an inspiration of a human being."
Mum Stephanie Allen said she was also inspired by what Richard Parks said, particularly about family life.
Pictured: Richard Parks speaking to students from local schools at the 2023 Betway Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year awards.
"He was talking about all being involved, like [how] we were all involved at Saints football club. I was volunteering in the canteen for many years and still do. Everyone goes to support Alex and my other son locally, and we all go away. All our friends and family go and visit him in the UK."
The Scott family used to go on holiday to Butlins so both brothers could compete in football tournaments.
"Both our boys played in the Butlins tournament and we've got really good memories as a family, of going away and having great fun while at the same time the boys were enjoying their sport.
"[Richard Park] said fun was the most important thing, that even through all the hard times, fun was the most important thing. You can be coached, but... you can't teach desire, you've either got that in you, or you haven't.
"And I think Alex having been released and then being injured twice badly, it's still that desire, he needs to play football and and we get it totally and we love it and it's great for us to go over there too."
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