UK Athletics is saddened by yesterday’s news of the passing of Shaun and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Shaun was an Olympian and Commonwealth Games shot put medallist, and his shot put best of 20.45m still stands as the Welsh record. However,  his career didn’t end upon competitive retirement and he threw himself wholeheartedly into supporting the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund – the charity named after his father that provided support to so many young athletes at the start of their careers.

With his sister, Kim, he continued to champion the work of the Fund, which has given more than £2 million to young athletes.

His passion for throws would often see him track side at events streaming the throws attempts back to colleagues and athletes across the World who could not attend in person. He had a vast knowledge of the whole sport and was still involved in supporting and encouraging performance athletes, helping them in the build up to the Tokyo Games and the World Championships.

UKA CEO Jack Buckner said: “Shaun was a great character who was passionate about the sport and managed to make an impact in so many ways.

“All of UKA are in shock today and it goes without saying we will miss him immensely.”