WISE CHOICE FOR TOP AWARD

TASS alumnus Alex Wise was one of the big winners at last night’s star-studded Sport Newcastle annual dinner.

The black-tie event at the city’s Civic Centre is the biggest of its kind in the UK and celebrates the great and good of Tyneside sport.

Tokyo Olympics hopeful Wise, who had previously been identified as a Rising Star of Newcastle Sport, scooped the 2020 Young Sporting Success of the Year.

And the 19-year-old will know before the end of the month whether he is Japan-bound as part of a three-man GB archery squad.

Newcastle’s Rising Star Ross Charlton

Current TASS athlete Ross Charlton was named a 2020 Rising Star following a breakout year in the pentathlon.

And on a fantastic night for the organisation, TASS ambassador Jonathan Edwards was confirmed as the latest Sport Newcastle patron – joining former England captain Alan Shearer and ex-Newcastle United chairman Sir John Hall.

“It came as a complete surprise to pick up the Young Sporting Success award,” admitted Wise.

“I loved being a Rising Star and I didn’t think I’d be up on that stage so soon again.

“I was there with my parents again and we had a wonderful night. It’s great to see so much sporting talent in one place.”

Wise and Charlton rubbed shoulders with fellow Sport Newcastle award winners Sean and Matty Longstaff – the Newcastle United brothers making a big noise in the Magpies’ midfield this season.

And they joined former Olympians Edwards and Mike McLeod, ex-world champion boxer Glenn McCrory and Paralympian Stephen Miller on a night to remember.

Wise told a packed house that he is focusing fully on clinching one of the three available places for Tokyo 2020.

Alex Wise is still aiming for the Tokyo Olympics

And he added: “It’s unheard of to get the full quota of three spots in the archery competition.

“There are four of us going for those three places and the trials take place at the end of the month.

“Countries like South Korea have been miles ahead of us for some time now but it’s clear that we’re heading in the right direction.

“If I do get a place on the plane to Japan then I’ll be going there to enjoy the experience and make the most of what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Wise has experienced a rapid rise to the top of his sport within just four years.

First taking up archery as a 15-year-old, he has risen through the ranks to emerge as Britain’s most exciting emerging talent.

And the Northumbria University student added: “Without the support of TASS and Sport Newcastle I wouldn’t be where I am now.

“My TASS support came at a time when I needed it most. They had a lot of structures in place that enabled me to progress quickly.

“I was on the scheme for a year and it proved incredibly beneficial.”