Commonwealth swimmer dedicates success to Shrewsbury shop

Chris Walker-Hebborn won the 100m backstroke in a new Games record breaking time and bosses at My Staff Shop in Shrewsbury were cheering more than most when he touched the poolside after being his main supporter in recent years.

Managing director of the employee benefits provider, Jon Pardoe, said: "I have known Chris for about six years and we are all immensely proud of what he has achieved.

"Like all athletes he has had some tough times but he never gave up, and he is now seeing all those years of hard work pay off.

"My Staff Shop supports Chris financially which enables him to train and do the huge amount of physical and mental work it takes for an athlete to get to the top of their sport.

"We work with a wide range of businesses to help them motivate their staff through incentives, such as discounts on shopping and holidays, and rewarding them for their efforts.

"Becoming a top athlete requires immense dedication and motivation, and we are hoping Chris will do some work with us talking to employees about how they can strive to be the best they can be.

"Chris is living proof that if you give your all you can achieve your ambition, and our congratulations go to him."

Chris, who swims competitively for Ellesmere College Titans, said the support of businesses like My Staff Shop was vital for athletes competing at the Commonwealth Games.

He said: "Quite simply the road to success would be much more difficult without the support of people like the guys at My Staff Shop, so I am massively grateful to them.

"They have supported me through thick and thin and I am looking forward to working with them in the future to help motivate people to aspire to be the best, whatever business they work in.

"My plan is to keep training hard and kick on from here. I'd love to get an Olympic medal so my long-term goal is Rio in two years' time."