10 sporting stars to watch in 2021

A look at the names who could make the right impression next year.

Published Dec 17, 2020

Last updated Dec 17, 2020

The post-coronavirus sporting surge is sure to anoint a new star name in 2021, with both the delayed European Championships and Tokyo Olympics taking centre stage.

Here the PA news agency picks out 10 athletes whose profile is likely to sky-rocket in the next 12 months, from those already on the cusp of greatness to others who are preparing to emerge.

Jack Grealish

England v Iceland – UEFA Nations League – Group A2 – Wembley Stadium — Jack Grealish has caught the eye for club and country (Ian Walton/PA)

Lauren James

James Botham

Wales v Georgia – Autumn Nations Cup – Parc y Scarlets — James Botham (centre) is making waves for Wales (David Davies/PA)

Rasmus Hojgaard

ISPS HANDA UK Championship – Day Four – The Belfry — Rasmus Hojgaard is looking to make a big impression in 2021 (David Davies/PA)

Jannik Sinner

Sinner is by common consensus the next big thing in men’s tennis after an impressive breakthrough season in 2020. The 19-year-old reached the quarter-finals of the French Open at his first attempt, and rounded off the year by becoming the youngest player in 12 years to win an ATP title, at the Sofia Open. With praise from Roger Federer ringing in his ears, the Italian is in a strong position to keep climbing.

Issy Wong

Frazer Clarke

European Games 2019 – Day Four — Frazer Clarke hopes to follow in Anthony Joshua’s footsteps (Martin Rickett/PA)

Dina Asher-Smith

IAAF World Athletics Championships 2019 – Day Six – Khalifa International Stadium — Dina Asher-Smith is gunning to make more history (Mike Egerton/PA)

Alice Tai

2019 World Para Swimming Allianz Championships – Day Five – London Aquatic Centre — Alice Tai won seven world gold medals last year (Simon Cooper/PA)

Mick Schumacher

FIA Formula 2 Championship – Race One – Circuit de Monaco — Mick Schumacher faces a daunting task in his first full F1 season (David Davies/PA)