WEIR ARCHER ACADEMY JUNIOR ATHLETES:
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- Lucas McElroy
- Sam Walkington
- Xander Foster
- Yasmine Hodkinson
- Illias Zghoundi
- Owen Edwardes
- Jack Keleman
JUNIOR ATHLETES
OWEN EDWARDES
- Joined WAA 2019 and looking forward to first races in 2020
- Winner of National Frame Football Championships as St Georges Park with Kings Hull FC
- Squad of the year winner 2019
- Winning the National Frame Football Championship at St Georges Park with Kings Hill FC
Illias Zghoundi T54
5 best achievements to date:
- 3 time London mini-marathon winner
- Wining my first half marathon this year
- Placing in my first competitive 10km race
- Representing England in the England school games and placing in it
- Wining 2 junior national championships.
Why wheelchair racing?
I have tried other sports for example basketball but I fell like I prefer the tactical side of the sport and the pace and style of the sport.
Other interests
Playing basketball and playing the clarinet in an orchestra.
Personal message
What I have learnt is if you do something you love than the all the hard work becomes easy.
YASMINE HODKINSON
- 2019 – runner up in the Westminster Mile U20s
- 2019 – Squad Winner of the Year
- 2020 – WAA Bursary Award winner of Rose Spencer Trophy.
- 2021 – participated in several events for BWAA Grand Prix series. Obtaining PBs in 100m, 200m and 400m
- 2021 – took part in the inaugural wheelchair races at the England School Athletic Association Championships
- 2021 – Selected to represent England in the National School Games. Awarded Bronze Medal in 100m, took part in inaugural universal relay.
- 2021 – looking forward to the London Mini Marathon
LUCAS McELROY
- Lucas came to the Weir Archer Academy for the first time in June 2018, aged just eight years old and was lucky enough to meet and train with his hero David Weir.
- Since then Lucas has been training with the juniors under the watchful eye of their dedicated coach. He is enjoying the experience and making firm friends with the other juniors.
- He has been loaned a fantastic new racing chair and is improving every week.
- Squad of the year winner 2019
- Surrey Disability Championships 2019 – Gold medal
SAM WALKINGTON
5 best achievements to date:
- London Mini Marathon 2023 T34 U17 1st place
- Surrey Disability County Championship 2023 T34 U17 Gold medals for 100m, 200m, 400m
- Cerebral Palsy Sport National Finals 2023 T34 U17 Bronze medals for 100m, 400m, 800m
- Kingston Borough Sports Awards 2023 Junior Team of the Year recipient alongside teammates
- 2024 London Youth Games Ambassador
Why wheelchair racing?
I enjoy the atmosphere, seeing the people I’ve met through the sport and keeping myself fit.
Other interests
PlayStation, cinema, gym, eating out
Personal message
I have been a member of the club since I was 6 years old and have had lots of great opportunities through the academy over the years. As a kid growing up with Cerebral Palsy, it wasn’t easy to take part in sport, so for me, being amongst friends and part of a team of athletes at the academy is more important than anything. All the volunteers at the club have enabled me to reach my goals and I’m very grateful for all the support.
XANDER FOSTER
- 2nd Place in the first Great South Mile
- Completed 10K at Winter Wonder Wheels, then came first in the 1Km
- Completed 5k Santa Run
- The youngest competitor in The Westminster Mile at nine years old Placed 6th in the U20s group
- Medals at Surrey County championships, Typhoo Youth Games and Decathlon 5K
- 2 x 2019 PB’s
- Squad of the year winner 2019
JACK KELEMAN
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- I am new to the Weir Archer Academy having joined WAA 2020.
- I am really enjoying the training and friendships I am making.
- Looking forward to some racing opportunities in 2020