Waunfawr teenager Jac ranked HYROX world number one

A TALENTED young Ceredigion athlete with ambitions firmly fixed on the Paralympics has been ranked number one in the world in his HYROX category.

Eighteen-year-old Jac Sheehan, a former Ysgol Penglais pupil from Waunfawr, has enjoyed a remarkable year, culminating in him being ranked world number one in HYROX for adaptive seated athletes with hip function.

HYROX is a global fitness racing competition that combines endurance and strength.

Jac now sits ahead of competitors from Australia, Germany, France and Japan, and is hopeful of receiving an invitation to the World Qualifiers in Hong Kong in 2027.

The teenager, who has cerebral palsy and competes in disability sports including HYROX, shot put, discus, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, said: "I'm made up to be ranked number one in the world, a result I never imagined possible, but the hard work has paid off.

"I still have my sights firmly set on the Paralympics in shot put and I'm training daily in the university gym following a plan designed by my coach, Ffion Mabey. Having a strict training plan keeps me on track."

Back in February, the Cambrian News reported on Jac's blistering start to the year in the seated shot put and discus events.

In January he was crowned Welsh Junior Champion in the shot put before stepping up to win gold at the Welsh Indoor Senior Championships in Cardiff, where he recorded six personal bests. His momentum continued in Aberdare, where he claimed the Welsh Athletics Winter Throws title.

Competing in senior events despite still being a junior, Jac is part of the Welsh Athletics National Development Pathway and has continued to build an impressive list of achievements.

This year he was also crowned:

Jac was also selected for the Team Wales wheelchair rugby squad, helping the side win gold at a championship in Portugal. In addition, he completed the Cardiff Half Marathon wheelchair race in one hour and 53 minutes, raising money for Hywel Dda Health Charities.

Jac is working towards qualification for either the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics or the 2032 Brisbane Games.

His demanding routine includes 6am strength and conditioning sessions at Aberystwyth University, a structured programme designed by coach Ffion Mabey and weekly training trips to Swansea.

Jac and his family are seeking sponsors to help him pursue his ambition of becoming one of Ceredigion's first Paralympians.

Anyone interested in supporting Jac can email [email protected]. His progress can also be followed on Facebook at Jac Sheehan (Sportsman) and on Instagram at @sports_onwheelz.