Talented young Athlete Worth her Weight in Gold

Under 18 British Weighlifting Champion at West Thames College

Shonagh Woodburn-Hall is a confident, fresh-faced young weightlifting champion and West Thames College student. She is also the under 18’s British Weightlifting champion 2 years running and was a winner in the London Youth Games in 2013.

Despite a difficult upbringing, Shonagh’s talent shone through after being spotted by her PE coach playing rugby. Making the most of her build and strength, she immediately began weightlifting training at age 11 and won her first competition within months.

“My brother, James Woodburn-Hall, is my role model. Before playing professional rugby, he used to weightlift, and my PE teacher at Feltham Community College encouraged me to pursue it. I got the hang of it quickly and through it even got to meet British Olympic weightlifters Jack Oliver and Zoe Smith”.

Shonagh eventually switched from her secondary school to the West Thames College FreshStart programme, a full time course for year 11 pupils who are more suited to a college environment.

Shonagh’s FreshStart tutor Keith Cudjoe comments on the young protégée – “Shonagh is a dynamic character and by channelling all of her dynamic energy she is sure to succeed not only on FreshStart, but in all she chooses to do”.

To find out more about our specialist vocational courses for 14-16 year olds such as FreshStart or to discuss sport courses come to the West Thames College Isleworth Open Day on Saturday 7th February.  Visit http://www.west-thames.ac.uk/ for more details.

January 21, 2015