Success for the English throwing squad at the Växjö indoor throws competition

England returned to the Indoor Throwing competition at Växjö, Sweden this year after a successful inaugural trip last year.

A junior team of under-20 and under-18 shot, discus and javelin athletes – all of whom were keen to use the opportunity to prepare for the outdoor season – made the journey to Sweden. With over 100 athletes entered this year, it was a busy day of competition for our athletes.

Shot put

The shot putters kicked off the day with a very strong start with four athletes making the podium for their respective age groups.

Under 18

• Isabelle Stamp (South London) – 14.00m (2nd)
• Lawson Capes (Lewis Capes, Peterborough & Nene Valley) - 16.74m (2nd and a PB on his debut international)

Under 20

• Annabel Amadin (Bob Gaisie, Sale Harriers) – 13.90m (1st - won the U18 event last year)
• Cleo Agyepong (John Hillier, Blackheath & Bromley) – 13.23m (3rd)
• Maegan Hopkins (Geoff Tyler, Chelmsford) – 12.30m (6th)

Discus

Indoor discus competitions are also few and far between, so this was a great opportunity not only to see how winter training had been going, but also increase international competition experience for the throwers.

Under 18

• Gabriella Tcheukam (Croydon, Paul Weston) – 34.94m (4th)

Under 20

• Nubia Evans-Shields (City of Plymouth) – 45.15m PB (4th)
• Timi Babatunde (John Hillier, Dartford Harriers) – 52.42m (1st)
• Teddy Gannon (Garry Power, Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow) –52.28m (2nd)
• Caden Uzoigwe (Michael Martin, Trafford) – 38.10m (9th)

Javelin

The javelin throwers took advantage of the unusual opportunity of a winter indoor javelin competition that the facility at Växjö can offer. The increase in entries this year resulted in a very long timetable which for the Javelin throwers meant a very late start to competition, but this did not affect their perseverance and performances.

Under 18

• Dulcie Yelling (Bob Willows, Brighton & Hove) – 42.92m (1st)
• Elise Christian (Guildford & Godalming) – 41.05m (2nd)
• Tom Rutter (Tom Dobbing, Hertford & Ware) – 63.91m (1st)

Under 20

• Ben Jones (Simon De Wilton, Tauton) - 59.86m (2nd)
• Ayesha Jones (Janina Pownall, Marshall Milton Keynes) - 47.55m (3rd in the senior event, would have easily won the under 20 event)

Speaking on the competition, Team Leader Vicky Griffiths said:

“The team all performed brilliantly and as Team Leader I was very impressed with their maturity in dealing with a long schedule of events. The timing of the trip has provided a great opportunity to assess how winter training is progressing, and for some, a great tune up for upcoming British Championships.

“All should be motivated by their performances and build on this as we head into the outdoor season. A huge thank you to the team staff who worked tirelessly to support the athletes and each other.”

The fifteen athletes were supported by Team Leader Vicky Griffiths, coaches Kat Woodcock, Greg Beard and Scott Knighton, and physio Ciaran Keen.