ENYA Dale is hoping to follow in her sister’s footsteps later this month, writes JAMES ROBERTS.

The canoeist’s older sibling, Freya, was part of the Wallingford Rowing Club junior quad which won junior team of the year back in 2012.

Sampling that success has made the 16-year-old’s nomination even more special.

She said: “I went to the sports awards in 2012 and it was amazing.

“My family still cherish the memories of that.

“To be nominated is a fantastic achievement for me – it came as a complete surprise to be recognised for my achievements.”

Dale has exceeded her own expectations since entering her first international competition at the end of 2016.

The Oxford Falcon Rowing and Canoeing Club member has won medals in all three international competitions she entered in the last 12 months.

This included bronzes in the K1 200m and K4 200m at the European Youth Olympic festival in Hungary in August – an experience the teenager will never forget.

She said: “From the moment I got there and received the Team GB kit it was incredible.

“Living in a village with other sports from all the different countries gave us a taste of the Olympic lifestyle.

“It has definitely inspired me to go to the Olympic Games and experience it again.

“Hopefully in 2024 I will win an Olympic medal.”

The European Youth Olympic festival capped the best year of Dale’s short career.

Since joining the Falcon Club aged eight, she has risen through her sport, and Dale treats her nomination as her club’s success as well as hers.

She said: “They do whatever they can to help me and keep me motivated.

“To win would recognise all the support my club has given me throughout the years.”