Solar King Pride of St Helens Awards: St Helens Council Young Sportsperson Award (From St Helens Star)

Solar King Pride of St Helens Awards: St Helens Council Young Sportsperson Award

11:06am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

The nominees are

Joshua Neal

The 14-year-old’s record of being disability sports t20 category national champion at 200metres and 400metres, while competing in the under 16s age groups is impressive enough. But throw in the fact the Parr teenager suffers from autism and has had to conquer a fear of the starting gun then his achievements truly are remarkable. He won bronze for 100m and silver for 200m in Merseyside schools mainstream event, earning selection for the northern counties. His athletics achievements were recorded while a pupil at Lansbury Bridge, but, such is the confidence he has taken from the sport, he is returning to mainstream school, at Sutton Academy.

Matty Shirling

An outstanding athletics prospect, 16-year-old Matty, from Newton-le-Willows, has produced some superb performances on the track this year in both the 800m and 1500m, culminating in gold medals at the English Schools Track and Field, and at the national championships. The former Hope Academy pupil, who is now studying at Sutton Academy’s sixth form, is Britain’s fastest ever under 17s runner over the distance of 1500m, with his time of 3.44.11 quicker than the 3.47.7 clocked by Steve Cram back in 1977. In the winter of 2012 he was also the National Cross Country Champion.

Lucy Renshall

A mixture of talent and determination has led judo fighter Lucy Renshall to compete for international honours. The 16-year-old from Eccleston learned her trade at SKK Judo Club, Newton-le-Willows and her ability has earned her a spot in the British Judo National Squad. She was silver medallist at the European Cadet Championship title in Cottonera, Malta.