A year of sporting excellence on Dartmoor

The year of 2024 in Devon sport opened with the pressure was on for a trip of Devon’s pro managers, Plymouth Argyle’s Ian Foster, Exeter City’s Gary Caldwell and Torquay United’s Gary Johnson.

Only one would survive to the end of 2024!

An icon of Devon sport, the fabulous horse Frodon made famous by jockey Bryony Frost, hung up the saddle for retirement, while Exeter Chiefs progressed in European competition with a late win over Glasgow.

Tom Daley set his sights on glory at the Paris Olympics and it all worked out well for the Devon diver, who picked up an impressive medal before announcing his retirement from the sport.

An athlete from Broadhempston near Totnes soared to victory at the inaugural Special Olympics Great Britain National Winter Games held in Folgaria, Italy.  Jack, who has Down's Syndrome, stood as the sole representative from the southwest region in the competition.

Devon football joined together in support of Torquay United, as fans from Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle join the home faithful for a day of sporting solidarity at Plainmoor.

The Gulls were facing the prospect of administration off the pitch and relegation on it after a turbulent campaign that saw former owner Clarke Osborne walk away from the club and a points deduction placed Torquay into a fight against the drop in the National League South.

Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton was granted a sum of £38,500 from the Swimming Pool Support Fund. 

This allocation formed part of the £60.5 million Phase Two initiative aimed at enhancing the long-term sustainability of leisure facilities across England, particularly by bolstering their energy efficiency.

On the football theme, Ian Foster had been dismissed by Argyle, the Pilgrims avoiding relegation on the final day, while Torquay United entered administration before ushering in a new era under former Truro boss Paul Wotton. Caldwell stayed in charge at Exeter City, who pulled clear of relegation trouble.

Wiscombe Park, the speed hillclimb venue near Honiton, turned the clock back to the earliest days of motorsport recently when it hosted the 500 Owners Association and Vintage Sports-Car Club events.

There was huge excitement at Plymouth Argyle, with England legend Wayne Rooney named as the new Head Coach.

A packed crowd attended Newton Abbot racecourse on a glorious Monday for what was, sadly, the first race meeting this season.

It should have been the Devon course’s fourth fixture of 2024 but the terrible spring rainfall had led to the abandonment of the first three. The frustrated regulars sure turned out in force for this belated event.

There are not many sports where our beautiful corner of Britain can lay claim to elite dominance. Step forward the wonderful sport of Underwater Hockey, and a Team GB squad jam-packed with South Devon talent.

Eliza Pritchard, 16, is sailing towards her dream of competing at the British Youth Sailing Worlds this year, and maybe even the 2028 LA Olympics, with a £5,000 sponsorship from South West Water.

The Rooney era at Argyle has stutted in the early stages of the football season and it’s not been much better for Exeter Chiefs, who are bottom of the Gallagher Premiership.

Ivybridge Rugby Club first-team captain Matt Grieveson celebrated the opening day of the season by marking his 300th senior appearance, a remarkable achievement in such a physically demanding sport.

Margaret Gibbs, an 87-year-old Paralympian from Abbotskerswell, has dedicated her life to breaking barriers for disabled athletes and inspiring generations. Now in the care of Rowcroft Hospice following a recent cancer diagnosis, Margaret reflected on her storied career and the invaluable support she’s receiving from the South Devon community hospice.

It has been a sensational year to remember at Okehampton Flyers Gym, Trampoline & DMT Club, a not-for-profit sports club affiliated to British Gymnastics. Two of the gymnasts (Connie James and Mason Parker-Groves) are currently in the England development squad for double mini trampoline, and Mason won an international gold medal in Finland a couple of weeks ago. 

There is so much more on the sporting menu in 2025 and, if 2024 is a guide, it should be spectacular.