Shot put star owes so much to West Norfolk Athletic Club

Rising athletics star Alfie Williams says he owes his success to West Norfolk Athletic Club.The under-23 and senior shot putter has enjoyed a sensational start to the outdoor season, building on a strong indoor campaign with a series of standout performances in national competitions.Reflecting on his thriving progress in the sport, Williams said: “It all started with West Norfolk AC, and they’ll always be my team.“I didn’t know where I was heading when I started, but I loved training.”His story is one of dedication and resilience.Now representing Thames Valley Harriers, Loughborough Students, and recently selected as a Welsh international, the throwing ace is balancing elite-level training with university studies and a part-time job at Lidl.Coached remotely by his father Allan, Williams has largely programmed and managed his own training – a rare feat at his level. “I’ve always believed in being an athlete first,” Williams explained. “My dad taught my brother Charlie and me the value of all-round fitness. He’d always say, ‘You can’t fire a cannon out of a canoe.’ That’s stuck with me.”His season started with a gold medal at the Norfolk County Championships with a powerful 15.12m throw.That was followed by a guest appearance at the prestigious Loughborough International, where Alfie once again broke the 15m mark against a tough field. Over the recent Bank Holiday weekend, he claimed victory at the Bedford International Games – held this year in Chelmsford – and followed it with another top showing in his debut for Thames Valley Harriers in the National Athletics League Premiership at Windsor.Competing alongside his brother Charlie, who represented rival club Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, Alfie won the B-string Shot Put, contributing to TVH’s narrow second-place finish. The weekend concluded with an emotional milestone as Alfie donned the Welsh vest for the first time at the Pickering Memorial Throws International in Loughborough.Although not producing his strongest performance, the moment marked a proud achievement for the young athlete and his supporters.“I’m in it for the long haul,” Williams said. “There’s still more to come.”With such a promising start to the season, all eyes will be on this dedicated and humble athlete as he continues his journey toward the top.