Local LiveWire athlete shines on international stage
Lewis Shaw, a member of Warrington Borough Council’s LiveWire Talented Athletes programme, has recently marked a significant milestone in his athletics career by becoming an international athlete.
Representing Warrington Athletics Club and competing for Merseyside, Shaw has showcased his exceptional talent in the Intermediate Boys 100 metres hurdles.
At the recent championships, Shaw secured victory in his heat with a time of 13.36 seconds, ensuring his place in Saturday’s final. Demonstrating remarkable skill and determination, Shaw stormed to the gold medal in the final, clocking a new personal best time of 13.11 seconds.
This impressive achievement has earned Shaw selection for the SIAB Schools International, set to take place at Carmarthen Athletics Track on July 20.
Achievements in 2024:
- January: Northern Indoor Championships, Sheffield: Shaw ran 8.33 in the heats and 8.11 in the final to win gold.
- February: National Indoor Championships, Sheffield: Shaw ran 8.08 in the heats and 8.05 in the final to claim silver.
- April: Euro U18 Qualifying, Birmingham: Shaw stepped up to 110m hurdles, achieving a personal best of 14.47 seconds, narrowly missing the European qualifying time by 0.02 seconds.
- May: Merseyside County Championships: Shaw won with a new personal best and championship record of 13.24 seconds.
- July: ESAA Championship, Birmingham: Shaw ran 13.36 in the heats and set a new personal best of 13.11 seconds in the final to win gold, earning selection to represent England at the SIAB in Carmarthen, Wales.
Looking ahead, Shaw has a busy season with competitions including the SIAB Championships, National Championships, Northern Championships, UK School Games, and the YDL Final.
LiveWire’s Talented Athletes Programme is designed to offer unparalleled support and training opportunities to young, promising athletes, completely free of charge.
The Talented Athlete Programme by LiveWire focuses on nurturing athletes over the age of 14, propelling them towards achieving their maximum potential in their chosen sports. Successful applicants will be awarded a free annual leisure membership, allowing them access to LiveWire’s extensive range of facilities.
As Warrington’s largest provider of leisure services, LiveWire ensures that selected athletes receive not only facility access but also bespoke training programmes. These programmes are meticulously tailored to meet the specific requirements of each athlete’s sport, alongside providing general lifestyle advice to support their overall development.
Training at LiveWire
Lewis said: “Being a member of LiveWire’s Talented Athelete programme has massively helped my athletics this season as it has help me develop power for my hurdles, through the plyoboxes and weights combined.
“I’ve also been following a strength and conditioning programme from my coach using both free weights and the squat rack to keep me in good shape for the season.”
Cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “My congratulations to Lewis and his latest achievement. It’s been great to hear about how LiveWire’s facilities have helped to support his development, and I look forward to seeing him continue to excel.”
For more information about LiveWire and becoming a member, see our latest offer at livewirewarrington.co.uk