Thrower moves to third on Scottish all-time hammer list with Commonwealth Games standard

Rachel Hunter threw a Scottish Commonwealth Games standard in the hammer at a Spring Throws event on Sunday, her 62.76m PB moving her to third on the Scottish all-time list.

The 20-year-old, who has been making progress over the past 12 months under the guidance of Scottish record-holder Chris Black, said Sunday felt ‘surreal’ as she had been struggling with a back complaint. It is the first time she has bettered 61m – the Glasgow Games standard – with two required. Her previous personal best was 60.91m set in September last year.

“To get a standard is great and it has given me a real confidence boost,” commented the Shaftesbury athlete, who now sits behind Shirley Webb and Susan McKelvie on the Scottish list and also moves to fourth on the UK under 23 all-time list with the mark. ”Suddenly I am thinking about getting the second one and the Games could be a reality. I feel as if the distance is there inside me I just need to throw it out now.”

Hunter, who earlier this year was named among the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund 2014 grant recipients for 2014, added: ”It was a wee bit surreal on Sunday because a week earlier I had treatment for a sore back and wasn’t sure if I would compete.

“Training is hard work but I love it. Chris and I were a little worried about peaking early season because last summer it took me until September to reach my best throw nine centimetres short of the standard. So to get this in March is very encouraging.”

Elsewhere at Grangemouth there were a total of 17 personal best performances, with national throws mentor Hugh Murray revealing hopes to stage another similar event if space is available in this summer’s competition programme. Scottish Athletics also voiced how it is hoped a series of throws meets will be formalised for the 2015 season.

On Tuesday the governing body also revealed how Scottish Athletics members will be entitled to a 10% discount on seats at Hampden for the Glasgow Diamond League meet taking place July 11-12, with a ‘priority’ sale period to take place from 10am on Friday April 4 through to Sunday April 6.

“I am very pleased indeed that we are able to offer our members a discount on tickets during a special priority period before the public sale for Hampden it means so many of the people who are committed to athletics throughout the year can be at this great event,” commented Scottish Athletics chief executive Nigel Holl.

Members should receive an email giving them a code to use online at www.britishathletics.org.uk from 10am on Friday when buying tickets.

The post Rachel Hunter encouraged by 62.76m throw appeared first on Athletics Weekly.