Sport Newcastle Goes Nuts For Bolt

Wallsend’s eight-time world champion Billy Bolt bagged the latest title of a stellar career after lifting the biggest prize in Newcastle sport.

The 29-year-old motorcycle star has made his name tearing up tracks across the globe as a multiple trial, enduro and enduro cross winner.

And the reigning FIM Super Enduro World Champion was named 2026 Sporting Success of the Year at last night’s star-studded Sport Newcastle Awards dinner.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to pick up this prestigious award in a room that’s full of so many big sporting names,” said Bolt, who clinched his latest world title on home soil in front of a sold-out Utilita Arena crowd earlier this year.

“To hear my name mentioned alongside talented athletes from so many mainstream sports is special. It means a lot to me.

“I accept that there are many other sports more accessible than mine but Newcastle has almost become the home for enduro in the last few years.

“That’s not down to me. That’s because the fans in this part of the world have sold out the arena for the last three years. We’ll be back again in March.

“I don’t get to spend too much time in Newcastle these days so to be back for something like this — surrounded by my friends and family — is very, very special.”

Recent recipients of Sport Newcastle’s most prestigious prize include Newcastle United’s World Cup defender Dan Burn and Bolt’s big mate and BMX superstar Kieran Reilly.

And on a night of sporting celebration across the board, one of the most exciting names in professional motorcycling wasn’t the only major winner.

Newcastle United duo Anthony Munda and Abbie Richardson won the ‘Wor’ Jackie and Jack Hixon awards respectively.

And longstanding Durham County Cricket favourite John Windows was presented with the Wilkinson Sword for Lifetime Achievement.

Durham stars Mark Wood, Steve Harmison and Phil Mustard paid tribute to an individual synonymous with unearthing and shaping the region’s best young talent for the best part of 20 years.

“Cricket needs people like John and we owe a huge amount to him,” said Harmison. “He’s far too humble to say that but we’re happy to say it for him.”

Fast-rising golf star Charlotte Naughton — who won the 2026 European Ladies Amateur Championship — picked up the Young Sporting Success of the Year award.

The University of Texas at Austin freshman was the youngest member of the Great Britain & Ireland team at the 2026 Curtis Cup.

And Charlotte checked in with a packed Civic Centre via a video clip from her new Texas base before her sister Zara collected the Young Sporting Success prize.

Blyth Running Club claimed the 2026 Coaching Award while North Shields Poly celebrated Eli Adams’ elevation to Platinum status — the highest level of support Sport Newcastle offers to emerging athletes on the global stage.

And Novocastrians Rugby Club was named Team of the Year after the Tynesiders lifted the Men’s Counties 1 Championship final at Twickenham.

“Our major award winners again reflect the region's success achieved across a diverse range of sports,” said Sport Newcastle trustee Matthew Squires.

“With the continued financial support of our corporate partners — and the backing of Sport Newcastle’s longstanding supporters — we’re in a strong position to promote the positive effect of sport on communities across the North East.

“Alongside recognising our region’s biggest sporting successes on the national and international stage, we always have one eye on the future.

“We’ll continue to deliver our vital programmes and grants to support the development of grassroots sport and encourage the next generation to chase their dreams.”

On a night when world class winners mix with wide-eyed wannabes at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, 10 of the North East’s hottest prospects were awarded grants of £250 as Sport Newcastle revealed its 2026 cohort of Rising Stars.

Each year clubs, coaches and schools nominate emerging athletes requiring recognition and support as they aim for success at the highest level.

And Sport Newcastle’s Awards Committee named the following 2026 Rising Stars across eight sports: Tyler Cadete (basketball, Newcastle Eagles); Kai Battista (boxing, Kenton ABC); Amelie Lenham (Rugby League and Rugby Union, Northern FC/York Valkyrie); Senna Gorvett (athletics, Blyth Running Club); Tia Johnson (Swimming, Newcastle Swim Team); Amelia Cowell (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Serenity Jiu Jitsu); Francesca Balzama (Taekwondo, Newcsatle Black Belt Academy); Skye Marshall (athletics, Gateshead Harriers); Ayla Blight (athletics and swimming, Elswick Harriers); and Daniel Readman (gymnastics, City of Newcastle Gymnastics Academy).

“Our Rising Stars are already performing at an exceptionally high standard,” added Matthew. “All compete nationally and several have represented their country at world level.

“Sport Newcastle is proud to be able to support these talented young athletes at the early stage of their sporting careers.”

Sport Newcastle was established in 1968 and the charity awards thousands of pounds every year to individuals and clubs requiring financial support.

Patrons include Alan Shearer CBE, Sir John Hall, Jonathan Edwards CBE and Sarah Hunter CBE.

The 2026 Sport Newcastle Awards were supported by headline sponsors Tier One Capital, SOS Group, GLL Sports Foundation, Central Employment, Ward Hadaway and Northumbria University, School of Sport.

Event support sponsors included Graphic Packaging Int, JC Events and Wonderstuff.