Former Weber State track athlete David Blair and former BYU runner Kenneth Rooks were honored at this year’s Governor’s State of Sport Awards. The event, organized by the Utah Sports Commission, celebrated the achievements of Utah athletes who excelled in 2024. Blair, a Paralympic bronze medalist, was named Utah’s adaptive athlete of the year, while Rooks, who won a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, was named Olympic male athlete of the year.
BYU was well-represented at the awards, with coach Diljeet Taylor winning coach of the year for her success in track and field. Other winners included the Utah Hockey Club for their successful inaugural home game, Utah Archers for defending their Premier Lacrosse League title, and Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake for his outstanding performance in the 2024 season.
Haley Batten, a mountain biking world champion, Winter Vinecki, an aerial ski jumper, Alejandra Ibáñez, a wheelchair basketball player, JaQuavious Harris from Salt Lake Community College, and Maile O’Keefe from the University of Utah were also honored at the event. High school athletes Emerson Geilman and Emilee Skinner were recognized for their achievements in football and basketball respectively.
The event highlighted the diversity and excellence of Utah’s sports scene and celebrated the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics being awarded to the state. Overall, the Governor’s State of Sport Awards showcased the talent and hard work of Utah’s athletes across various sports disciplines.
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