The inaugural Pickering Memorial Throws International, named in memory of Shaun Pickering who died last year aged 61, took place at Loughborough on 27 May 2024.
While shot, javelin, hammer and discus champions were decided on the field, in the pavilion, The Athletics Museum and the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund held a very special exhibition to celebrate and commemorate the life and legacy of athlete, coach, mentor and advocate for athletics Shaun Pickering. Images, memorabilia and items from Shaun’s career were provided by the Pickering Family, and a space for visitors to share their own memories of Shaun formed part of the exhibition.
Bottom left: photo from Shaun’s early career. Bottom right: Commonwealth Games Welsh Team blazers.
Shaun, son of former Welsh National Coach and BBC commentator Ron Pickering and Olympic and European medallist Jean Pickering (nee Desforges) was a giant of Welsh and British throws in every way. Standing 1.97m tall, with multiple national titles and records to his name, Shaun represented Team GB in shot put at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and Wales in the same event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur where he took bronze.
Shaun’s involvement with athletics continued beyond his retirement from competition, as a coach and mentor, and tireless advocate for athletics, especially through his work with the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund.
The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund was established in memory of Ron Pickering, coach and well known BBC commentator, by his wife Jean – herself an Olympic medallist from the 1952 Helsinki Games – and their children Shaun and Kim. Since its inception, the fund has raised and awarded over £2.0 million in small but significant grants to several thousand talented young British athletes.
Watch our video round up of the 2024 event.
With thanks to:
- Ron Pickering Memorial Fund and the Pickering Family
Image credits:
- Mark Shearman
- Sakura Sports Media