WESTON athlete Shaun Callaghan has continued his string of winning performances in indoor rowing.

WESTON athlete Shaun Callaghan has continued his string of winning performances in indoor rowing.

This discipline sees competitors row side by side on Concept2 rowing machines and go all-out to finish the Olympic 2000 metre distance as fast as possible.

Indoor rowing forms a vital part of training for all on-the-water rowers and has developed into a highly competitive sport in its own right.

Shaun has just returned from the Rowing Ireland Indoor Championships in Dublin, which incorporated trials for the Irish Olympic squad. He won his race in a time of six minutes 40.5 seconds, setting a new Irish championship record in the over 40s lightweight category.

He already holds the Irish national record for his age as well as a British record for ultra-distance rowing.

Earlier in December, Shaun successfully retained his title at the Welsh Championships in Cardiff. This followed on from a strong performance at the British Championships in Birmingham at the end of November, where Shaun picked up a bronze medal.

He said: “I am hugely pleased with my form in the first half of the season. My pace has been consistent and I have managed to stay strong through to the end of races.

“I am now focusing on speed and anaerobic work as I am looking to improve my 2000 metre time for Europe.”

Shaun will be training hard over the festive period ready for a European assault when he competes in Paris at the Championships in January.

He wishes to thank all at 1st Ace Cars for their generous sponsorship and support during this season and consultant Sarah Nash, who controls his diet and nutrition.