Ethan Walsh: 1997-2024

England Athletics is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of England pole vault medallist, Ethan Walsh.

A Shaftesbury Barnet Harrier, Walsh was based in Loughborough where he attended Loughborough College and then became a therapist. An accomplished athlete, he was always challenging the very best with English and British silver medals to his name. He also went on to represent his country at the Manchester International in 2019 where he placed second.

Tributes have poured in from across the track and field community with his training group commenting:

"A natural born pole vaulter, technically one of the best we have ever had. A great training partner, that everyone loved to train with. Your stories, opinions, your ability to be so open hearted made you the kind hearted soul and a friend to so many. Walshy we will miss you, but we will carry you with us always."

Speaking on the tragedy, England Athletics Talent Pathways Manager and Ethan's former coach, Alan Richardson, said:

"Ethan was a popular pole vaulter who meant a great deal to the pole vault community as a whole and especially those who have been based in Loughborough over the previous decade."

"He was a kind, friendly and funny young man who was liked by all that he came across and much cared about by all those who had the pleasure to either train alongside him or coach him. "

"As a pole vaulter he was a talented athlete who achieved success at a national level, winning English Schools' and England Athletics age group championships medals. 2019 and 2020 saw Ethan reach his peak clearing a lifetime best of 5.36 metres and finishing 5th at the UK Championships, seeing him ranked the 32nd highest British pole vaulter of all time.”  

From all at England Athletics, we would like to share our deepest condolences with all of Ethan's family, friends and training partners. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.