BASILDON AC’s sprint hurdler Michael Shields has been named the Echo and Runner’s Edge Athlete of the Month for July.

The FitzWimarc School had an amazing month that surpassed all expectations and which included him being crowned the English Schools intermediate boys 100m hurdles champion.

The month began with Michael, 15, setting a new championship record the 80m hurdles at the English Schools Track and Field Cup final where he was competing for FitzWimarc.

Michael stopped the clock at 10.5s to gain maximum points for his school as they finished second overall.

The following week, he travelled to Birmingham for the English Schools Championships and stormed to a gold medal in the 100m hurdles, clocking a personal best of 13.25s to win the final in thrilling fashion.

The result was even more impressive given Michael is in the bottom year of the age group and will be eligible to compete over the same distance again next year before stepping up to the 110m hurdles.

Victory in Birmingham also brought Michael international recognition.

He was selected to represent England in the Schools International in Cardiff where he won a bronze medal.

Mum Gillian said: “The whole family are so proud of what Michael has achieved this season.”

Michael was this week collected his winner’s prize, a pair of Skechers trainers from Runners’ Edge in Southend.

Entries for the August Athlete of the Month competition are now open.

If you would like to nominate someone for a particular performance or for a string of performances, email ryan.goad@nqe.com