Teenager pulls through for country at tug-of-war event
A TEENAGER from Barwell has represented his nation at a major tug-of-war competition in Wales.
Joshua Winder, 16, who attends the Nuneaton campus of North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, competed for the England Junior Men’s A team at the first British and Irish Outdoor Tug-of-War Championships, hosted by the Welsh Tug-of-War Association in Llandrindod Wells, Powys.
Josh first became involved in tug-of-war around three years ago, when a friend at his army cadet club, Leicestershire, Northampton and Rutland Army Cadet Force, encouraged him to come along to their training sessions.
It was here that coach Major Alec Masson, who also trains the Under-18s national side, recognised Josh’s potential to pull ahead in the sport.
Taking on the finest pullers across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Josh and the team achieved the silver medal for their efforts in the competition.
He is also set to compete for England in the 2016 World Tug-of-War Championships in Malmo, Sweden, later this month.
A family member said: “In the wake of Rio, Josh’s achievements tell a great story to the youth of the area, as a lot of children see representing their country in sport as out of their grasp.
“Obviously, I am very proud of Josh, as are all the family.”