Colchester Development Invitational Meet, 27^th September – By Rob Earle

At the latest throw’s development meeting Colchester Harriers Hammer throwers competed in wet and cold conditions. However, this did not detract from some excellent displays of throwing.

On only his second throwing session since February Billy Praim-Singh threw an excellent 54.34m in the senior competition. Won by his training partner and friend Oliver Graham, who threw a massive 62.03m to take him to number one in the UK rankings for under 20’s this year . More impressively this takes him to 21^st on the world lists. Billy now knows where the standard is set for 2021.

After much hard work Olivia Simon at last made a significant development on her PB. She improved on her previous best of 42.94 to break through 44m on three attempts. The best of which was 44.52m. A strong positive focus over the coming Winter will see her push toward the 50 metre target in 2021!

Josephine Larkins, coached by mum Denise, continues to consolidate her position as a top ranked under 20 with another solid result when throwing 47.51m. This was her second best ever throw. With a couple of competitions remaining in 2020 she has it within her to reach beyond the 50 metre mark.

As a work in “technical” progress, Philippa Davenall has recorded some very good marks when throwing the heavier 5kg Hammer. Indeed, her recent mark of 56.02m, is seen by many as an indicator of big improvements to come over the next eighteen months with the standard 4kg Hammer.

Wyatt Larkins again produced some solid throws. Recording 36.55m, and displaying some subtle changes to his technique which, over the coming months, will see him in a position to challenge for honours at national level in 2021.

Finally, Rob Earle, having survived beyond 60. Was able to post a UK all time age best in both the Hammer and Weight throw with 55.39m and 19.65m respectively. The former placing him 2^nd on the annual world lists and third in the latter.

The format of the competitions has only been possible with the input, and direction, of lead official Maxine Simon and her dedicated team. Denise Darren and Shirley.

With one more round of the competitions to go. It is hoped that all will improve on their marks thus far to bring some further cheer in these challenging times.