Hammer ace nails another title

The athletics prospect followed up her victory at the IAAF World Youth Championships in July by triumphing at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

Sedlescombe-based James won the women’s hammer as England dominated the final day’s track and field action on the Isle of Man by winning five gold medals.

The 17-year-old set a new personal best of 57.13m during her surprise victory at the World Youth Championships in Lille, but went even further than that on Sunday with a tremendous throw of 58.10m.

Hastings Athletic Club talent James was almost four metres clear of Scottish runner-up Kimberley Reed (54.22m) and nearly seven metres ahead of Australian third-placed finisher Mikki Genge (51.49m).

The other two competitors, from Canada and New Zealand, fell short of 50 metres. England, incidentally, topped the overall medal table with 37 golds across the seven sports.

James’ throw also improved her own Sussex under-20 and senior record. What’s more, the former Claverham Community College student still has another year in the under-20 age group.

But despite her scintillating form, James is hoping to improve her consistency next year. For more on this story, see tomorrow’s Hastings and Battle Observers.