Sports Personality of the Year – Ross Cudmore 

Ross Cudmore, a para standing tennis player and coach, was named Sports Personality of the Year at the Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards 2025.

A tennis coach from Hastings and a leading figure in the growing world of Para Standing Tennis (PST), Ross was born with Erb’s Palsy; a brachial plexus injury which has left him with little to no use of his left arm. But he has never let this hold him back.

Since discovering para standing tennis (PST) a few years ago, Ross has quickly risen to international success.

During the past year, he has represented Great Britain at both the World and European PST Championships in Barcelona and Turin, finishing as doubles runner-up at both events with fellow Sussex player Matthew Grover.

He was also a finalist at the first-ever PST Invitational at the US Open and invited to play exhibitions at Play Your Way to Wimbledon and the Eastbourne International.

Ross’s progress was recognised nationally when he appeared on Channel 4’s The Last Leg New Year’s Special, celebrated alongside other standout disabled athletes.

His appearance highlighted not only his achievements, but also his growing role in championing disability sport.

Off court, Ross is helping shape the future of PST. As the European lead on the PST board, he organises ‘Come and Try’ days across the UK and Ireland, creating new opportunities and improving access to the sport. 

He also delivered wheelchair and PST sessions at the LimbPower Junior and Adult Games, demonstrating his ability to coach, motivate and connect with athletes of all levels.

A viral Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) video of Ross’s adapted one-handed serve brought further attention to his skill and determination. 

This summer, he featured in the documentary Champions of the Unseen: This is Para Standing Tennis, which follows his and Matt’s journey as athletes and advocates, working for recognition and inclusion of PST in major events like the Paralympics and Grand Slams.

Locally, Ross remains deeply committed to his community. Through Break Point Tennis, the company he co-founded, and his coaching at Alexandra Park in Hastings, he continues to grow grassroots participation. 

In his nomination, Ross was described as “more than an athlete – he’s a leader, a coach, and a driving force for change. Through resilience, creativity, and tireless effort, he’s opening doors for others and proving what’s possible through sport.”

On winning the award, Ross said: “To win this award has been amazing, really. I think it’s a good representation of everything that myself and the club that I work with have done in the last year or two.

“It’s good to be recognised, and hopefully it inspires future generations.”