17 years old Innes is a very talented, climate aware young athlete who was named Young Athlete of the Year at the BBC Green Sport Awards 2023. An example to athletes everywhere: Innes’ climate awareness is fundamental to what she does and she consistently puts her principles at the heart of every career decision she makes.
Passionate about raising awareness of climate-related issues within athletics and the wider sporting world, Innes is particularly keen to try to get up-and-coming athletes to think about what they’re doing and their impacts on the climate.
She uses her platform to encourage other athletes to question their choices, to use their own platforms to raise awareness, and to actively engage in conversations about climate issues.
After taking a 20-hour coach and train journey to avoid flying, Innes finished fourth in the 2022 under-20s European Cross-Country Championships in Turin.
She was invited to compete in the 2023 World Championships in Australia, but declined the opportunity and told British Athletics her decision was based on her concern about the impact of flying at a time when people around the world are suffering the effects of climate change.