Talented young throwers make their mark in Germany
The U18 Youth Talent Programme (YTP) team delivered an incredible series of performances at the Halplus Werfertage (Halle Throws Day) competition in Halle, Germany over the weekend. Inspired by the stellar performances of the senior athletes on Saturday, the developmental squad stepped up to secure multiple podium finishes, European qualifying standards, and personal bests.
The day kicked off with the U18 women’s shot put where Ellis Thomas (Basildon AC, Mark Chapman) showed incredible composure, improving her personal best twice during the competition to secure a third place finish with a fantastic new PB of 15.27m. The women's U18 discus saw Elkie Baker (London Heathside, Neville Thompson) throw a personal best of 42.81m to successfully qualify for the final eight, finishing in a strong eighth place overall.
The U18 men's discus is very strong in England right now. Moyo Stumpenhusen (Rugby & Northampton AC, Gary Herrington) set the tone early with a tremendous second-round throw over 62m. He ultimately captured first place with a dominant final distance of 64.14m, just shy of his personal best. Harry Beard (Medway & Maidstone AC, Greg Beard) and Ben Roberts (Trafford AC, Mike Martin) competed hard in a deep field. Both just missing out on the top-eight final and coming away with 53.18m and 48.98m respectively.
The success continued over on the runways and in the cage; both Ned Scott (Winchester AC, Bronwin Carter) and Scarlette Slater-Rowley (Retford AC, Marjolein Templeton) gave some amazing performances. Ned delivered a spectacular series, launching the javelin to a brilliant new personal best of 72.38m. Scarlette's personal best throw of 49.43m was a mark that officially gave her the European U18 championship qualifying standard.
Jess Wilkins (Trafford AC, Lee Doyle) wrapped up the day for the team as the final competitor in the hammer throw, securing a highly commendable sixth place finish with a strong throw of 55.97m.
Team Lead Kat Woodcock said:
"I'm incredibly proud of everything the athletes achieved over in Halle. Out of a squad of eight, they secured three medals and four PBs, with one athlete achieving the European U18 standard. This competition provided a stellar learning experience as they prepare for the European U18 Championships and future international events."
If you're interested in seeing these throwers perform live, why not come along to Loughborough on Sunday 31 May for the Pickering Memorial International; experience a great day of throwing competition!