Para athletics world champion Victoria Levitt finishes second in SportsAid’s One-to-Watch Award 2025

The 29-year-old sprinter stunned the world earlier this year by winning T44 100m gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, alongside a silver medal in the 200m, marking a dream debut on the international stage.

Speaking on her award, she said:

“This probably means more than the medals in New Delhi to be honest. For SportsAid, who have supported me for years and years, from when I was a nobody in sport, to making it onto the world stage.

“I couldn’t have stood on that podium without SportsAid.

“They have been such a significant part of my journey, this award means so much to me. This is an award that I’ll treasure most in my trophy cabinet. It means the world.”

Victoria began running in 2018 after sustaining a serious injury to her left leg. Initially, athletics was simply a tool to rebuild strength and fitness with the hope of returning to netball. Instead, she discovered a passion for sprinting that would completely reshape her life.

Victoria explained:

“I just wanted to see how fast I could go.

“There’s something so pure about sprinting, it’s just you, the track and the clock.

“That curiosity has never left me.”

Since then, Victoria has gone from strength to strength, embracing the accountability and intensity that comes with standing on the athletics start line.

Her breakthrough year in 2025 saw her win gold in the 100m at the England Athletics Para Championships, and earn selection to represent Great Britain on the world stage.

That GB call-up proved to be a defining moment.

Competing at the World Championships, Victoria stunned herself and others by winning gold in the 100m to become world champion, before adding a silver medal and a personal best in the 200m.

“To wear a GB vest was everything.

“That phone call was the highlight of my career. Medals were a bonus, it was about knowing I was good enough to represent my country.”

Victoria’s journey has been shaped not only by sporting ambition, but by personal sacrifice.

She made the bold decision to step away from a full-time NHS career, downsize her living situation and commit fully to life as an athlete.

It was at that crossroads that SportsAid became fundamental to her future.

“When I found out SportsAid was going to support me, it was a massive sigh of relief.

“Without that support, I couldn’t have paid for coaching, travel, accommodation or competitions. I genuinely could not be a world champion without SportsAid.”

Beyond financial backing, the recognition itself proved transformative.

Support from SportsAid allowed Victoria to access specialist coaching, nutrition support and international competition opportunities, all crucial in her rapid development as an elite athlete.

She said:

“Having someone believe in you and invest in your potential gives you confidence.

“It opens doors that just wouldn’t exist otherwise.”

Being shortlisted, and finishing second overall, in the One-to-Watch Award has carried particular significance for Victoria.

“To be called ‘One-to-Watch’ at my age is unbelievable,” she said. “It shows you don’t have to start young. There’s no age limit, no barrier. You can begin at any point, you just have to take that first step.”

With eyes now on the Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028, Victoria remains driven by the same mindset that has defined her journey so far, curiosity, authenticity and doing things her own way.

SportsAid’s annual One-to-Watch Award, supported by Aldi, celebrates the next generation of British sporting talent. Each of the top 10 shortlisted athletes receives a cash boost and tailored support to help them overcome financial barriers and maximise their potential, ensuring stories like Victoria’s can continue to unfold on the world stage.