BIS Coaching Awards 2025: Finalists Announced
- britishiceskating
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 BIS Coaching Awards!
British Ice Skating is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2025 BIS Coaching Awards, celebrating the dedication, skill, and passion of coaches who make an incredible impact across every level of our sport. These awards recognise coaches' vital contributions, both on and off the ice, and the difference they make to individuals, clubs, and the wider skating community.
The over 150 nominations received across the categories reflected the extraordinary commitment of coaches nationwide. The quality and diversity of the nominations made shortlisting an inspiring but challenging task! Each submission showcased stories of dedication and talent that demonstrate the very best of coaching in our sport.
After much consideration, we are proud to reveal the outstanding nominees who have been chosen as finalists - a big congratulations to each and every one. Winners will be announced at a celebration event on 29th November - watch this space or British Ice Skating socials for news!
COACH OF THE YEAR
CHRIS BOYADJI
Chris has a rare gift for making every skater feel valued and capable, no matter their age or ability. His patience, encouragement, and equal approach to coaching create a positive environment where everyone can thrive. Whether working with elite competitors or adult beginners, Chris brings out the best in his skaters-helping each person believe in their potential and achieve more than they thought possible.
ADRIAN JACK
Adrian is an outstanding coach who understands the unique needs of every skater he teaches. He leads inclusive and mainstream groups with equal passion, ensuring everyone feels supported and empowered to progress. Through his inclusive skating programme, he has opened doors for new skaters with additional needs to discover the joy of skating. Adrian’s patience, skill, and dedication make him a true leader and role model in the sport.
SALLY SHERARD-BORNSHIN
Sally has made a remarkable impact since becoming Head Coach at Altrincham, leading her skaters to four podium finishes at the British Championships and forming the club’s first relay team. Her ability to adapt sessions under pressure-managing challenging ice conditions and supporting injured skaters-demonstrates creativity, resilience, and leadership. Sally’s dedication and care have reinvigorated the club’s training culture and inspired outstanding results on and off the ice.
YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR
LILY BAKHTIARI
Lily is described as an outstanding young coach whose passion and dedication shine through in everything she does. Her skaters consistently praise her support, motivation, and ability to bring out their best. Combining her own competitive experience with a caring, professional approach, she helps athletes progress technically and emotionally. Lily’s enthusiasm, work ethic, and commitment to learning make her a brilliant role model and a hugely promising coach for the future.
KRISTEN SPOURS
Kristen has shown remarkable dedication and creativity as a young coach. Despite setbacks from injury, she has continued to fully support her students-adapting lessons, motivating skaters, and staying actively involved in their development. Her resilience, positivity, and commitment inspire everyone she works with. Those around her describe Kristen as a caring and determined coach whose passion and adaptability set her apart and make her a true role model.
JOSEPH ZAKIPOUR
Joseph has made an impressive start to his coaching journey. Despite only recently retiring from competition, he coaches with focus, maturity, and professionalism well beyond his years. His attention to detail, calm approach, and drive to learn make him a strong role model. Humble, hardworking, and passionate about helping others succeed, Joseph has already become a valued member of his coaching team and shows real potential for the future.
HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH OF THE YEAR
CHRIS BOYADJI
Chris has built one of the UK’s strongest high-performance coaching environments, guiding athletes to multiple British titles, Junior World appearances, and Olympic qualification. Skaters describe him as dedicated, inspiring, and deeply supportive-combining technical precision with a genuine belief in each athlete’s potential. His innovation extends beyond the rink, developing training tools used worldwide. Chris’s leadership and results demonstrate his exceptional impact on British skating’s international success.
SIMON BRIGGS
Simon’s athlete-centred coaching philosophy has delivered Olympic-level success and world-class results for British skating. His skaters have represented Great Britain at the 2014 and 2022 Winter Olympics, with Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby on track for 2026. Since 2008, his athletes have competed at Junior Worlds, Europeans, and World Championships annually. Renowned for his professionalism, innovation, and dedication, Simon continues to raise the standard of British figure skating.
LLOYD JONES
Lloyd’s dedication, expertise, and empathy have transformed skaters from grassroots to international success. Athletes praise his constant support, creative choreography, and ability to inspire confidence under pressure. Drawing from his own Olympic experience, he provides insight and motivation that empower his skaters to perform at their best. Lloyd’s tireless commitment, mentoring across all levels, and contribution to British skating’s growing international presence make him an outstanding high-performance coach.
INCLUSIVE COACH OF THE YEAR
SARAH CARTER
Those who train with Sarah consistently praise her for creating an inclusive, person-centred coaching environment where everyone feels valued and supported. She is recognised nationally for her work with neurodivergent skaters and those with disabilities or additional needs, helping many progress from local to international success. Her empathy, advocacy, and technical excellence make her a transformative figure in inclusive skating, empowering athletes of all backgrounds to thrive and believe that the ice is a place for everyone.
ADRIAN JACK
Adrian is described as patient, creative, and deeply committed to inclusion. He adapts his coaching to every individual, helping skaters with disabilities and learning differences achieve remarkable success - both personally and competitively. Adrian’s inclusive synchronised skating team won three gold medals in its first season, along with multiple local awards. His compassion, positivity, and belief in every skater make him an inspiring role model and a truly deserving nominee.
LOUISE WALDEN-EDWARDS
Feedback from Louise’s skaters highlights her warmth, understanding, and adaptable coaching style. Through VO:ICE, she offers inclusive online and on-ice sessions that build confidence, skill, and community for skaters of all abilities. Her patience and ability to tailor each session make her a standout coach. Skaters describe her as kind, positive, and endlessly supportive-someone who goes above and beyond to ensure every individual feels capable, valued, and proud of their progress.
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