Quality performances at Swedish indoor throws event

The Växjö International took place on Saturday 7 February, and with Swedish outdoor temperatures in the negatives and light snowfall, the athletes were unaffected as they competed in the world-class Tipshallen.

This fantastic facility allows for indoor long throws. This was a new experience for the majority of our squad, and provided a premium opportunity for the entire team to focus purely on technical execution early in the season, while remaining shielded from the winter elements. A key observation was the athletes' impressive ability to adapt to the unique indoor throwing conditions.

Furthermore, traveling as a 15-strong group to an international venue presents logistical and psychological challenges, yet the athletes handled themselves well.

Shot Put

The shot putters delivered a series of quality performances, headlined by Emilia Adese (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC, Phil Hartnett) in the U18 Women’s event. Her throw of 16.87m was a national record and European standard, leading to an England 1-2-3 finish alongside Jasmine Nkoso (Herne Hill Harriers, Anthony Soalla) - who also gained a European standard - and Ellis Thomas (Basildon AC, Mark Chapman).

In the U20 category, Team Captain Alani Dumbuya (Leigh Harriers and AC, Simon Forster) led from the front, taking 1st place with a 15.07m PB to hit the world standard.

Meanwhile on the men’s side, Team Captain Lawson Capes (Peterborough and Nene Valley AC, Lewis Capes) performed well early on to finish with a 17.31m PB; he and Harry Beard (Sheffield and Dearne AC, Greg Beard) both secured second place finishes in their respective age groups, while Olivier Coulibaly (Southampton AC, Debbie Callaway) showed great consistency to finish fourth with 15.76m.

Javelin

For the javelin throwers, navigating the technical constraint of the ceiling height in the Tipshallen required immediate adjustments. The fact that four national records were broken under these conditions is a testament to the technical resilience of this group.

The javelin throwers were in top form. In the U18 men’s event, Ned Scott (Winchester and District AC, Bronwin Carter) and Ben Clarke (Bury AC, John Conroy) secured a clinical 1-2 finish; Ned’s winning throw of 65.98m set a new national record and European standard.

The U18 women were equally dominant, with Lucy Bull (Swindon Harriers AC, Carolyn Franks) finishing first with a 49.81m national record and European standard, while Molly Mills (Swindon Harriers AC, Tony Jackson) performed excellently to finish second.

Discus

The discus squad flourished in the still conditions of the Tipshallen. Moyo Stumpenhusen (Rugby and Northampton AC, Garry Herrington) finished second in the U18 men’s event with a 57.47m national record and European standard. He was followed closely by Chukwuma Ononogbu in third (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, Clyde Gordon) with a ditance of 51.27m. The depth of the squad was further proven by Harry Beard and Olivier Coulibaly finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

In the women’s event, Beth Pendlebury (Trafford AC, Mike Martin) finished a third with a 40m+ throw, and Elkie Baker (London Heathside, Neville Thompson) placed fifth in a strong international field.

Team staff

The team management and coaching staff were key in ensuring the athletes could perform to their best and this was seen in the tally of PBs (six) plus four national records, five European standards and a world standard - with 13 of the 15 athletes earning podium places.

Under the guidance of the coaching staff Emeka Udechuku (discus), Cat Hallden (javelin) and Mike Martin (Team Lead and shot), the athletes displayed a great attitude, maintaining high energy and mutual support across all events when possible. Furthermore, having someone as experienced as physio Lucy Eggleton was invaluable offering advice to the athletes and coaching staff when needed, while Team Manager Melissa Lock ensured all logistics were handled seamlessly, allowing the athletes and coaches to focus purely on performance.

Team Lead Mike Martin said:

"This competition has provided the athletes with invaluable experience. Learning how to cope with traveling internationally with the team and preparing for competition away from their usual setups. Achieving multiple European and World standards this early in the year is a testament to how good this group of athletes are."

Results

U18W shot put (3kg)
1st: Emilia Adese 16.87m (PB NR ES)
2nd: Jasmine Nkoso 16.09m (PB ES)
3rd: Ellis Thomas 14.48m

U20W shot put (4kg)
1st: Alani Dumbuya 15.07m (PB WS)

U18M shot put (5kg)
2nd: Harry Beard 16.84m
4th: Olivier Coulibaly 15.76m

U20M shot put (6kg)
2nd: Lawson Capes 17.31m (PB)

U18W javelin (500g)
1st: Lucy Bull 49.81m (ES)
2nd: Molly Mills 43.94m

U18M javelin (700g)
1st: Ned Scott 65.98m (NR ES)
2nd: Ben Clarke 63.69m (PB)

U18W discus (1kg)
3rd: Beth Pendlebury 40.84m
5th: Elkie Baker 39.63m

U18M discus (1.5kg)
2nd: Moyo Stumpenhusen 57.47m (NR ES)
3rd: Chukwuma Ononogbu 51.27m
4th: Harry Beard 51.03m (PB)
5th: Olivier Coulibaly 48.05m