JADE O’Dowda was honoured to win the junior sportsperson of the year award.

The most competitive category of the evening saw a shortlist of four go for glory, such was the exceptional talent of the nominees.

The Oxford City heptathlete came out on top, after winning the national under 17 title, despite being aged only 15.

Her performance in taking that crown was all the more remarkable considering she was competing for the first time since injury.

“I knew I was up against some people who had represented Great Britain, so it is an absolute honour to win this,” the Gosford Hill School pupil said.

“My aim is to get to the Olympics, and although 2016 will probably come a bit too soon for me, certainly 2020 would be in my mind.

“That would be a real dream come true if I could make it to that.”

Oxford Mail:

Jade O'Dowda shows off her award, flanked by coach Marcia Marriott (left), and parents Nichola and Brendan

O’Dowda was keen to put a lot of the praise for her achievements with coach Marcia Marriott.

“My coach Marcia is the person that has made me the athlete that I am,” she said.

“She deserves so much praise and I am so grateful to her for everything she has done.”

Marriott commented: “I have coached somebody who has competed at the Olympics and three or four that have been at international level.

“But I have never coached a junior who has the talent of Jade.”

“Her determination, hard work and willingness to train – six days a week, whatever the weather, she is just outstanding.”

Didcot Girls School’s under 15 footballers were a popular winner of the junior team of the year.

They made history when becoming the first team to be crowned national champions for the third year in a row.

Manager Leanne Walker said: “They are an incredible group.

“They are just completely unaware of what they will have done for youth and girls football, both in this school, but also in Oxfordshire.”

The club of the year award went to Banbury & District Canoe Club, who posted record results in three national flatwater finals and saw six members gain international calls.

The team of the year accolade went to the Oxford School of Gymnastics trio of Gabrielle Jackson, Becky Evans and Heather Nixey, who won an international match in Turin, Italy, before going on to win gold at the Senior British Championship.

Minster Lovell Inclusive Cricket team landed the disability award, while Chloe Smart was named young volunteer of the year for her work in football and ice hockey.

The first winners of the sporting school award were King Alfred’s Academy (senior) and Sunningwell (primary).