When Alfie Shallcross takes his seat at Scotstoun Stadium, he will not watch the T20 long jump like an ordinary supporter. He will be following athletes who compete in his classification and in the event he loves most.
The 11 year old from Great Yarmouth already races across the country in the 60M and 100M, while also developing as a long jumper. At the latest National Junior Para Athletics Championships, Alfie won gold in all 3 events for the 2nd year running.
His 60M victory brought a new personal best of 9.63 seconds. A recent school competition also produced a long jump best of 4.17M, giving him clear numbers to chase as his training continues.
Glasgow 2026 now gives that progress a destination. For the 1st time, T20 athletes have standalone Commonwealth Games events. Alfie can watch athletes from his own classification compete on the same programme as the biggest names in the sport.
A Child Who Could Not Stop Running
Alfie’s athletics story started with teachers noticing that he would run continuously during cross country sessions.
He was 7 at the time. His mother, Rianne, saw that energy and searched for a local club that could turn it into something more structured.
Alfie joined Great Yarmouth and District Athletics Club in 2022 at age 8. His 1st competition followed later that year.
The change soon reached beyond results.
Socialising did not always come easily to Alfie, but the track gave him routines, shared goals and a group of friends who understood his enthusiasm. Rianne remembers a shy child. At training, she now sees someone far more outgoing and comfortable around his teammates.
Personal bests keep him motivated. So does the chance to train with friends and return each week with another target.
His interest also stretches beyond his own races. Alfie watched Noah Lyles, Dina Asher Smith and Molly Caudery compete at the London Diamond League. He loved the fire used during the athlete introductions and the noise that followed the biggest performances.
At the British Indoor Championships, he sat close to the long jump pit and listened as coaches gave technical feedback. Alfie also met Team England jumper Jazmin Sawyers, bringing the international level of the sport within touching distance.
Three Golds Put Real Weight Behind The Dream
Since receiving his T20 and F20 classification in 2025, Alfie has become a regular at local and national competitions.
His latest trip to Coventry ended with 3 gold medals. He won the 60M, 100M and long jump in the mixed Para class events, repeating the clean sweep he achieved the previous year.
The response beneath a post on Alfie’s athletics account was simple and direct. A supporter called the performance a “clean sweep,” while another wrote, “Well done little man, superstar.”
Those comments captured the excitement around the result. The performances offered something more useful for Alfie and his coaches: proof of measurable progress.
His 9.63 second 60M personal best provides a fresh sprint benchmark. The 4.17M long jump gives him another mark to attack as his speed, technique and strength develop.
Alfie has also competed above his usual age group. At the 2025 England Athletics Age Group Championships, he won U15 long jump gold and claimed bronze in the U15 100M.
That season also brought the Anthony Hughes Memorial Trophy for the most promising U12 athlete. The award honours Anthony Hughes MBE, a former Paralympian and pioneering Welsh coach who played a major role in developing Para sport and guiding elite athletes.
Winning junior titles will not automatically carry Alfie onto an international team. It does show that he is already competing with purpose rather than simply filling a lane.
Glasgow Gives His Ambition A Face
Alfie plans to watch the T20 long jump closely when the Athletics and Para Athletics programme begins.
Team England’s Samuel Jose and Canada’s Noah Vacsics are the athletes he is most eager to follow. Their event matches his own classification and favourite discipline.
That direct connection changes how a young athlete sees the Games.
“I’m only 11, but it makes me think that if the elite T20 athletes can do it, I can too,” Alfie told Glasgow 2026 organisers before the competition.
Glasgow will stage the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history. Para events will run alongside the wider athletics schedule, giving Alfie the chance to see athletes like himself compete before the same crowds.
For him, the value is straightforward. He can watch the event he trains for, in the classification he holds, at the Games he hopes to reach.
That is a stronger message than any development slogan.
Team England Remains The Long Term Target
Alfie still has years of physical growth, coaching and competition ahead of him.
His performances will need to improve as he moves through older age groups. Classification, injury management and the demands of national travel will also remain part of the process.
There is no need to place senior expectations on an 11 year old. Alfie should still enjoy training, friendships and the satisfaction of another personal best.
Yet his ambition is already clear.
He wants to pull on a Team England vest and compete at a future Commonwealth Games. Glasgow 2026 will show him what that level looks like and how far the journey can go.
For now, Alfie will watch from the stands with 3 fresh gold medals and faster marks beside his name.
The next time he reaches a major Games, he hopes to be on the other side of the barrier.
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FAQs
Who is Alfie Shallcross?
Alfie Shallcross is an 11 year old Para athlete from Great Yarmouth. He competes in the 60M, 100M and long jump.
What is Alfie Shallcross’s Para Athletics classification?
Alfie competes in the T20 and F20 classifications for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
How many gold medals did Alfie Shallcross win?
Alfie won 3 gold medals in the 60M, 100M, and long jump at the National Junior Para Athletics Championships.
What are Alfie Shallcross’s personal bests?
His article lists a 9.63 second personal best over 60M and a long jump best of 4.17M.
Which Glasgow 2026 athlete does Alfie want to watch?
Alfie plans to follow Team England T20 long jumper Samuel Jose, who will make his major Games debut at Glasgow 2026.
