Zac Shaw’s Fight to Run After Losing His Mother

Mourning a Best Friend

Zac Shaw, a sprinter for Team England, has described his mother Evette as his closest confidant. He is a visually impaired athlete from Grimsby who has had to rebuild his confidence after her death. When Evette died of cancer last August, the loss struck a blow that went far beyond the typical pressures of elite sport. Shaw recalled that after her passing he could not manage more than ten metres without panic attacks, forcing him to start his mental recovery from scratch. The former Franklin College student said the grief made him doubt whether he could even stand on a Commonwealth Games start line again. He admitted that the year has been the hardest of his career, despite having won a silver medal at the 2022 Birmingham Games with his mother cheering from the finish line.

From Panic to the Start Line

Last year Shaw withdrew from the World Championships, seeking solace in trips to San Diego and Vancouver. He described the decision as a necessity to escape the mounting pressure while grieving. In those months he wrestled with the thought that simply being on the Commonwealth Games start line would be a major personal victory. He admitted that the thought of competing again felt overwhelming, but the desire to honor his mother’s memory kept him moving forward. The athlete now says that reaching this point feels like a fresh beginning, something he never imagined possible after his loss.

Shaw’s training regimen now includes mental‑strength work, a routine he credits to regaining confidence. He reflects that the panic attacks that once halted him have become manageable with practice and support. The 100‑metre specialist, who competes in the T12 class for visually impaired athletes, plans to channel that resilience onto the track in Glasgow. He says that the experience has taught him how to face adversity not just in sport but in life.

Memorials on the Track

When Shaw steps onto the Glasgow track, he will carry tangible reminders of Evette. A small necklace bearing her name will rest against his skin, and a charm she once bought for him will be fastened to his shoe. He explained that these objects serve as silent companions, offering a sense of her presence amid the crowd’s roar. The gestures are personal, yet they also illustrate how athletes often weave personal loss into performance rituals. Shaw believes that these symbols will help him stay focused and hopeful during the competition.

What Lies Ahead at Glasgow

Shaw is set for his third Commonwealth Games appearance, this time in the T12 100‑metre race. He views the event as a chance to turn personal tragedy into public triumph, hoping that his story resonates with other athletes facing similar hardships. The competition will mark a milestone: standing on the start line with pride after a year of rebuilding his mental health. He expects the pressure of the moment will be balanced by the memory of Evette’s daily encouragement, which he says still drives him. If he succeeds, Shaw hopes his journey will inspire others to seek support when grief threatens to halt their dreams.