THE 2019 UK HAMMER SEASON: Summary by Ian Tempest
"Another busy and successful year for UK hammer throwing"
Nick Miller reached his third World final and placed tenth this time, with a disputed decision costing a possible silver medal throw in the second round in Doha. Nick had a fine season, with ten competitions over 75m. He won his fifth UK title and he should be one of the UK’s best medal prospects for Tokyo.
Seven other UK seniors went over 70m, led by UK runner up Taylor Campbell who set a pb of 74.63 in winning bronze at the World University Games in Naples. Also, personal bests included marks by Osian Jones with several Welsh records (best of 73.89), Craig Murch (a three metre improvement to 73.64) and Jac Palmer (Welsh champion at 70.01)
The junior age groups remain strong with Ben Hawkes (73.15) and European U20 finalist Bayley Campbell (72.81) leading the way and Sam Gaskell and Shaun Kerry’s Hull results lifting them well up the UK all-time list.
Kenny Ikeji (73.92 for 5th all-time) and Alex Bernstein (68.01) were outstanding U17 throwers but depth was down on recent years, as in the U15 age group. The Hammer Circle is keen to see more younger throwers take up the event.
On the women’s side Sophie Hitchon had a truncated season but as an Olympic bronze medallist in 2016 will be looking to throw well in Tokyo. Jess Mayho closed the gap at the top with a series of pbs and sixteen throws over 60m. Jess won the UK championships, the England/Intercounties, and the matches in Loughborough and Manchester, and improved to 66.44. Amy Herrington, Lucy Marshall and Pippa Wingate all improved to threw over 63m this year with great results in important meetings.
Depth in the women’s event has reached unprecedented levels in the UK with 16 athletes over 60m (mostly by U20/U23s) and 46 over 50 metres. The top U20 women are world class and have another year in the age group – Charlotte Williams was 4th in the European U20s and won the England title. Charlotte Payne was 7th in the Europeans and set a UK U18 record at 67.99. The leading U17 and U15 girls – Kirsty Costello and Lily Murray respectively – are top class, consistent athletes.
The Hammer Circle continues to seek to develop standards in the younger age groups and supported a team of young throwers to go to the international fixture in Leiria, Portugal. This event provides a great opportunity for our young upcoming throwers to experience international travel and competition. The funding for the trip was provided by the Hammer Circle, England Athletics, the athletes and generous donations from members. It’s a great experience for the younger throwers. Winners included Alex Bernstein (U18) and Shaun Kerry (U20)
The continuing strength of UK hammer throwing is a great credit to the throwers, and to the coaches and parents and all who help and support them. Many coaches are members of the Hammer Circle and provide a vital service at the Reunion and throughout the season.Membership details can be accessed here and an Application Form is HERE
Please also see the Reunion Report , plus full Reunion Results