Masters athlete has broken four world records and won multiple world titles in the W85 age group this year
Masters athlete Evaun Williams has enjoyed a terrific year winning world masters gold at shot, discus, hammer, javelin, weight and weight pentathlon. In addition she set world records in Gothenburg in the shot (9.42m), discus (22.42m), weight (11.97m) and javelin (24.78m).
Her athletics journey began in 1987 when she started as a 200m sprinter with Haringey Athletics Club. After a tendon injury at the World Championships in Oregon, she took up throwing events and has since become a powerhouse in the W85 category, now at age 86.
Lee Valley Athletics Centre has been instrumental in her success, providing year round access to both indoor and outdoor facilities, as well as specialised equipment for throwing events. She also takes part in weekly fitness classes such as body conditioning and circuit training, alongside her throwing training with regular gym sessions.
“This venue has been very important to my success by having both indoor and outdoor facilities allowing me to train all year round,” she says. “It also has all of the equipment and throwing implements I need to train for my events.
Evaun Williams (Gary Mitchell)
“All of the staff are extremely friendly and helpful and are always assisting me whenever I need help. Lee Valley Athletics Centre is a base for my club (Enfield & Haringey AC) so I get to train with and around my fellow club members.”
Williams also credits the GLL Sport Foundation for easing the financial burden of training, letting her focus on competition. “The Foundation has allowed me to train without worrying about paying for entry, which means I can put that money toward travel expenses for competitions.”
At this year’s World Masters Championships she says it was about more than the medals—it was also about reconnecting with friends. “It was great to compete with my friends again,” she says.
Evaun Williams (Tom Phillips)
When asked about the secret to her success, she adds: “Determination—no, make that bloody mindedness. I have a willingness to succeed and achieve the best I can. I do not worry about legacy, I only think about my next performance and how I can improve. I have daily involvement from my coach John Waugh. Even on days when I’m not training, he will call to check up.”
Looking ahead, Evaun is setting her sights on the World Masters Indoor Championships in Florida in March, where she plans to break her own indoor records.
More about the Lee Valley Athletics Centre here.
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The post Evaun Williams’ world record-breaking spree aged 86 appeared first on AW.