Para focus: Sam and Matthew in Australia; Finlay award; Adam video

Friday 17th October 2025

Sam Fernando in action at Loughborough in May 2024 (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Sam Fernando came up with a medal-winning run in the 3000m steeplechase in very hot and humid conditions at the Virtus World Athletics Championships held in Australia.

The Fife AC athlete landed a silver podium moment as he clocked 10.22 in very hot and humid conditions in Brisbane.

Sam raced again the following day in the 5000m, showing grit and determination to finish with a time of 16.17.

Meanwhile, his fellow GB team-mate, Matthew Power, qualified through the 100m heats gaining a time of 11.57, in a very competitive final for a Season Best performance.

The Livingston AC athlete then raced in the 200m heats, finishing tenth overall in a Season Best 23.80.

Both athletes raced in the final event of the championships, the 4X400m relay with a time of 4.03.59.

The championships took place at the state Athletics facility, QSAC, Brisbane and was organised by Sport Inclusion Australia in partnership with Queensland Athletics.

Sam and Matthew were part of a six strong GB team organised by Sport Excel UK, which promotes, facilitates and supports talented athletes with intellectual impairments.

With thanks to Liz Power, with the Sport Excel UK team in Australia

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Finlay Menzies is having quite a 2025 with the young Scot having made his international debut at the World Para Champs in India recently.

Frame-Runner Finlay won a bronze medal in the T72 100m final and his performance has been voted as the top display by a GB and NI athlete at the World Para Champs.

He will now receive £1000 from UK Athletics sponsors, Novuna, as part of his prize for the Performance of the Championships accolade.

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