Ones to watch 2023: Sport
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With a new year, always comes new hope but who are likely to be among the individuals to keep tabs on in 2023? Here are our ones to watch in sport.
Dylan Smith
It’s rare to hear a manager speak as glowingly about a young prospect as Ross County manager Malky Mackay has about Dylan Smith.
Young players breaking through are often protected, but any time Smith’s name is mentioned, the Staggies boss lights up.
You can see why. Appearing in pre-season as a 15-year-old, former Culloden Academy pupil Smith has starred for Scotland’s under-17s and featured away at Rangers and Hibernian.
Mackay seems adamant the sky is the limit for Smith, now 16, as he makes his way in the professional game.
He has a good head on his shoulders – Mackay has even touted him as a possible future captain – and experienced players to learn from in training.
With the task now to break into the first team on a more regular basis, it could be a breakthrough year for Smith – and it looks like he already has plenty of the tools needed to thrive.
Sandy Scott
He established himself as one of the top amateur golf players in the world, now Sandy Scott is looking to see if he has what it takes to establish himself as a successful professional player.
The 24-year-old played in his first tournament as a professional player when he secured a card in the PGA Latinoamerica and played at the Argentine Open in Buenos Aires.
He is set to play on the tour which will hold competitions in Chile, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico.
Scott, who played college golf in the United States with Texas Tech, made a big impact in amateur golf, reaching six in the world rankings before he turned professional.
His performances led to him qualifying for the US Open in 2020 and has also previously played in the Great Britain and Ireland squad in The Walker Cup.
Now Scott, will look to see if he can follow in the footsteps of Robert MacIntyre to become one of Scotland’s top professional golfers.
Megan Keith
Inverness Harrier running sensation Megan Keith is continuing to make a big impact on the athletics and cross-country scene at junior level in the UK and Europe during 2022.
The 20-year-old once again impressed during her performances as she moves up the age groups on the international stage.
In November, she claimed victory in the British Cross Challenge Under-23 Euro Cross trial and was second fastest athlete across all age groups.
In December, she won a silver medal in the Under-23 European Cross Country Championships in Italy as she continues to make a massive impression in international competition.
She was also crowned GAA Miler Meet 1500m and 5000m champion at Scotstoun in July and the Scottish Under-23 Cross Country champion in Aberdeen in August.
After completing the cross- country season, Keith is now preparing to make an impact on the indoor season as she looks to make an impression at senior level.
