Record-breaking track cyclist Matthew Richardson has been unveiled as guest of honour for the annual Isle of Man Sports Awards.
Richardson, 26, who was born in Maidstone, Kent, previously raced under the Australian flag before swapping to Great Britain in 2024.
Having previously won Olympic and Commonwealth medals, last year Richardson became the first cyclist to go sub-nine seconds in a 200m flying lap, breaking his own record set the day previous.
The awards, held at the Villa Marina, celebrate the island's sporting excellence with awards for sportsman and woman of the year, disability sportsperson and a lifetime achievement award up for grabs.
The nominees for this year's awards include notable Manx names like Island Games medallist Christa Cain and tennis player Billy Harris, who reached the second round of Wimbledon last year.
Inspirational
The Kent-born cyclist, who earlier this month became the first British man to win the sprint title at the European Track Cycling Championships, said the Isle of Man has "deep sporting roots".
The island has a storied pedigree in cycling both on and off the track, highlighted by Manxman Mark Cavendish surpassing Eddy Merckx's Tour de France stage win record after picking up his 35th stage victory in 2024.
The cycle legend, from Laxey, was handed a lifetime achievement award last year at the ceremony, following his retirement from the sport.
Former British Road Race Champion, Peter Kennaugh and Lizzie Holden, who competed at the inaugural Tour de France Femmes also hail from the island.
Richardson continued: "It will be my first visit to the island, I can't wait to meet the athletes and experience the island's sporting culture for a few days."
Daphne Caine MHK said Richardson's visit would "inspire athletes and fans alike".
This year's award ceremony takes place at the Villa Marina in Douglas on 26 February.
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