Behind the Voice: The One and Only Pam Sheldrake

For athletes stepping onto the floor at the World Baton Twirling Championships, hearing

their name announced marks a moment they have worked toward for years. For Pam Sheldrake, calling that name is an opportunity to welcome them and offer a little reassurance before their performance begins.

Her voice has become a familiar part of the World Championship experience. Behind it is a woman whose involvement in twirling began with her daughters and grew into decades of service to the sport.

From Twirling Parent to the World Stage

When Pam’s two daughters joined a nearby baton troupe, the group wanted to move into competition but needed guidance on correct movement technique. Pam, a talented dancer, became involved, beginning a journey that would lead her to serve as a teacher, examiner, judge, coach, Technical Director, and official for England and the WBTF.

In 1980, she represented England as a judge at the first WBTF Championships in Seattle. It was an early chapter in a longstanding connection to international competition.

In 2006, Pam took on a different role, making her World Championship announcing debut in Ireland. Through 2026, she has missed just one Worlds as an announcer, welcoming generations of athletes to the floor.

The Care Behind Each Introduction

Announcing a championship requires preparation and concentration. For Pam, pronunciation is the greatest challenge. With athletes representing countries and languages from around the world, taking care to say each name correctly is an essential part of the role.

She also recognizes what each introduction means to the person waiting to perform. After months of preparation, an athlete may be stepping into one of the most significant (and stressful) moments of their twirling career.

Pam wants them to know that “behind the voice is a friend.”

That simple message captures the warmth she brings to the microphone. Alongside the practical work of announcing, she offers a familiar, reassuring presence in an environment where emotions can run high.

A Role She Loves

Pam’s story reflects the many ways people contribute to IBTF - combining their passion for the sport and their unique skills. Across her years as a judge, coach, official and announcer, she has supported the sport from different perspectives while remaining connected to the athletes at its heart.

Her enthusiasm for her current role is clear: “I love my job.”

For the twirling community, Pam is a distinctive part of what makes Worlds memorable. For each athlete whose name she calls, she is also something more personal: a friend welcoming them to their moment on the world stage.