World Championships Paris

It was a historic week for Craughwell AC as Shauna Bocquet became its first athlete to compete at a major championships at Senior level. Shauna was competing in the World Para Athletics Games in Paris against the very best in the world. 

19-year old Shauna competed in the 1500m, the 100m and the 400m. Her first event was the heat of the 1500m and she raced brilliantly, taking to the front early ahead of the world record holder to keep the pace honest. In the end she finished 4th and secured one of the fastest qualifier positions and a place in the finals.

In the finals Shauna’s start wasn’t ideal and she got dropped from the pack for the first 600m. After working hard she managed to do the impossible and bridge the gap back to the main group who were steeling themselves for the final push. In the end Shauna hung on bravely and finished 10th with a new personal best of 3:31.05, a PB by over two seconds – a fantastic result in a tactical race.

The races came thick and fast and Shauna was back up the next morning for the 100m heats. Her start was poor and cost her a lot of time as she finished 4th in the heat with two going through. A pb would have seen her make the final.  The next day was the 400m and despite the heavy racing schedule, Shauna raced to a 58s time and a 5th place finish. The competition was a marvellous experience for her and to make a finals in your first global championships is outstanding. Next up for Shauna is the Diamond league in London this Sunday where she is on the main program and will have a large contingent of Craughwell AC along to support.

London Diamond League

Following her great performances of late, Shauna received an invite to compete in the 800m at the London Diamond league on live television in front of 60,000 spectators. A large group from Craughwell AC travelled to support her. Shauna’s race turned out to be a very exciting affair and the large crowd really got into it.

She wasn’t in the least intimidated by the huge atmosphere and the high level competitors. The field split into two and Shauna found herself in a battle with two other athletes and she kicked beautifully past them on the home straight to finish a superb 4th with a good chunk of prize money for her efforts! Watch our recording of her race below with full sound to get some idea of the atmosphere!!

Next up, Shauna is compoeting in Stoke next weekend and then she has been invited to compete at the Diamond League finals in Brussels in September which should be something really special.