Elite athletes

Medway's sporting stars are crucial to its future sporting success. Here's a guide to some of the leading local talents flying the flag for Medway on the national and international scene.

Photo of Mike BakerMichael Baker - Athletics

Mike is a 400m hurdler currently training at Loughborough University, where he is men's team captain.

He was 2009 British University Champion, U20 England silver medallist and captained the GB squad at the World Youth Championships

 

 

Photo of Shaunagh BrownShaunagh Brown - Athletics

Shaunagh is one of the country's leading female throwers, ranking in the top two nationally in both the discus and shot put.

The highlight of her career is a bronze medal at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games. This was coupled with a fourth-placed finish in the shot put in a season when she also represented Great Britain at the IAAF World Junior Championships.

 

Photo of Rachel BurfordRachael Burford - Rugby Union

Rachael has captained the England Sevens side and been vice captain of the 15s. Rachael was a World Cup runner up in 2006 and in 2010.

 She plays club rugby for Richmond after a successful spell with Saracens.

 

 

 

Photo of Medway skiier Charlotte EvansCharlotte Evans - Skiing

Charlotte is a member of the England Alpine Ski Team. She won silver and bronze medals at the World Championships this year after a successful season in which she claimed a string of podium finishes.

Charlotte also skis as a guide to visually impaired skier Kelly Gallagher, who finished fourth in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics.

 

 

Photo of Medway skiier Emily EvansEmily Evans - Skiing

Younger sister of Charlotte, Emily is the reigning All England Dry Slope Champion after winning the title for the third consecutive year.

She is the British Schoolgirls Champion and competed for Snowsport GB in the Youth Olympics in Liberec, Czech Republic in February 2011.

 

 

Photo of ice skater Sophie JonesSophie Jones - Figure Skating

Skater Sophie is a rising star on the ice who has twice represented Great Britain at the Youth Olympics, finishing eighth at the 2009 competition.

Sophie and her partner have enjoyed top five finishes in national championships and compete across Europe.

 

 

Photo of James LewisJames Lewis - Judo

Judo player James is a member of the England World Class Programme and a Great Britain international.

His career highlight so far is a gold medal at the 2008 National Schools competition.

 

 

Photo of James MyattJames Myatt - Modern Pentathlon

James is part of Pentathlon GB's elite set up at University of Bath where he trains with Olympians and senior internationals.

He made his World Cup debut on home soil at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup at Medway Park in April 2010 and returned as part of the men's relay team who finished fifth in the 2011 Senior European Championships.

James was part of the GB team that came third in the European Youth Championships in Las Palmas, the first ever medal won by Great Britain in the competition.

 

Photo of Medway rower Sara ParfettSara Parfett - Rowing

Previously on the Elite Athlete Support Scheme for swimming, Sara switched to rowing while at the University of Bath.

She is now part of the GB Rowing Start Programme.