19 March 2008

Promising Hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon has begun 2008 in dazzling style with a Junior record set at the final UK Throws programme event, for this winter, held last weekend in Birmingham.

Hitchon, 16, (Blackburn) shot to the top of the Power of 10 Rankings for her age group as well as surpassing the previous record set by Rachael Beverley in 1998. Her 59.74m beat the previous best of 57.97 by nearly 2m. The mark also surpasses the IAAF qualifying mark for this summer’s IAAF World Junior Championships. Hitchon then went on break the 59m line again on Sunday with 59.49m at the Blackpool Open Meeting.

“This was an amazing start to the season, it still being only March. Last year Sophie started at 47m, before improving to 54m, so that augers well for continued improvement through 2008," said Event Coordinator Malcom Fenton.

"Sophie is also still 16, so has another two years in this age group after this one. I cannot really put a limit on her potential, as we have not seen her like before. Mention must also go to her highly supportive parents, her coaches, and the system that has assisted her."