Written by John Bridgwater
Ten south Shropshire athletes with real Olympic potential will receive a helping hand as they bid to reach the top in pursuit of sporting glory.
The sportsmen and women have been recognised by the South Shropshire Sports and Leisure Advisory Group and will be given sponsorship in an initiative with Muller England Limited.
The likes of archer Alison Williamson, long jumper Andrew Jones and swimmer Fern Davies are among those tipped to make the London Olympics in 2012.
All award winners have been invited to attend a special ceremony on Tuesday, June 18 at Ludlow Town’s SBS Stadium where Dr Gill Eatough, principal of the Hadley Learning Community and former head teacher of Lacon Childe School, will make the presentations.
The 10 “role models” are talented athletes from a variety of disciplines including archery, athletics, equestrian and swimming. “I am delighted to see the progress being made by all our talented performers in being selected for national, UK or Great Britain training squads,” said leisure development manager David Hinves.
“We must continue to support and nurture this talent so that they can be the best that they can. I hope that they each continue to develop towards realising their dream of going to the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics.
“This year we are delighted to announce some sponsorship support to this initiative. Muller England Limited has given a cash donation, which will be distributed equally among the 10 Olympic/Paralympic role models.”
John Thorpe, chairman of South Shropshire Sports and Leisure Advisory Group, added: “It really is incredible when you realise the number of talented sports people we have in the district.
“We would like to make sure they are recognised and give all the help and support we can provide.”
The roll of honour sees Church Stretton archer Alison Williamson in top spot for a third successive year.
1: Alison has been to the last four Olympic Games and has never been placed out of the top 10. She picked up a bronze medal at Athens in 2004, while coming fourth in the grand final of the World Cup series in 2006.
2: Andrew Jones (Athletics): Andrew, a long jumper from All Stretton, finished second for England under-20s in the Celtic Cup in Cardiff against athletes from Ireland, Scotland and Wales with a jump of 6.93m. He is ranked No 1 in the UK for under-20 men, seventh among senior UK men and fifth European junior.
3: Fern Davies (Swimming): Fern, from Little Hereford, smashed her personal bests in Sheffield in an event that incorporated the European Youth trials. She was placed second and third in two B finals in the 200m individual medley and 400m IM. During the heats in the 200m IM she set a Welsh junior record of 2.18.49. In the past year Fern has represented England in the World Student Games.
4: Kay Lucas (Archery): Although new to the sport of archery for people with disabilities, Kay, from Ludlow, is now ranked third in the world. She was placed eighth in the World Championships in Korea in 2007 where she also picked up a ladies’ team silver.
5: Megan Daley (Equestrian): Megan’s impressive performances saw her represent Great Britain at junior level. Later she earned selection for GB at senior level while also gaining qualification for the British Dressage nationals.
6: Michael Poolton (Judo): Michael, from Ludlow, was selected for the “World Class Start” programme for England in 2007 after medal places at a series of area championships. Placed inside the top 10 in the national age band championships, he has also represented England at a home nations training camp.
7: Sam Horton (Karate): Earned a gold medal for the British team at the Shitoryu Shukokai World Cup in Crete in 2007. Has been selected for the 2009 World Cup in Germany.
8: Ewen McDonald (Cycling): Ewen is the national 10-mile and 25-mile time trial champion in his age group for 2006 and 2007. He also secured his third national age group medal in the 10-mile TT championship. He was second in the Welsh youth championships in 2007 and was selected for the Future Revolution international meeting in April.
9: Matt Bate (Volleyball): Matt, of Cleobury Mortimer, has been selected to represent the West Midlands at regional championships. He has trained with the England Cadet squads and now plays for promotion winning Warwick Riga seconds, but has also represented the first team.
10: Luke Carless (Hockey): Luke, from Wistanstow, was a member of the Welsh senior squad in 2007. He was also chosen for the under-21 squad in the Celtic Cup and the European Championships in Italy. Luke is part of the Welsh Elite Cymru hockey academy and plays in the under-25 GB league.
Others considered: 11 Ben Carless (hockey), 12 Chris Bayliss (swimming), 13 Cerian Lancaster (running), 14 Ashleigh Lewis (hockey), 15 Louise McEwan (judo), 16 Gemma Beddows (volleyball), 17 Adam Fear (swimming), 18 Jennifer Smith (judo).
The awards were made once again in partnership with The Holistic Clinic.
“Once again the standard was very high so we are grateful to the selection panel of 11 people for giving up their time to consider and judge all the nominees,” said Hinves.
