Manx pole vaulter Glen Quayle was recently awarded the TASS Athlete of the Year accolade at Loughborough College.

The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is a Sport England-funded partnership between talented athletes, education institutions and national governing bodies of sport.

The island athlete has been studying art and design at the Leicestershire-based institution for two years and notably won the senior boys’ pole vault title at the English Schools’ Track and Field Championships last summer.

Now the Manx teenager has been recognised for his sporting achievements with the Athlete of the Year award.

Speaking to the Manx Independent, Glen commented: ’I was lucky enough to be selected as part of this scheme of 30 talented athletes at Loughborough College to help bring out the best from my sporting and academic career without having to choose between the two.

’Throughout my two years at Loughborough College, I have been working alongside TASS and Steve Wilkinson (dual career coordinator) which has helped give me invaluable access to information and support on how to balance academics and sport.

’The scheme has allowed me to learn and grow from others who have followed similar paths throughout their careers and succeeded in becoming the best in the world.

’I’m super happy to have been awarded this award and look forward to what my future academic and pole vaulting careers hold.’