Emotional afternoon in Livingston

Monday 9th June 2014

Rachel Hunter came up with the second best hammer throw of her career at the Summer Throws Festival at Livingston.

The Ayr Seaforth athlete threw out to 63.94 for another Commonwealth Games standard and won £50 for the best female performance at the meet.

But there was disappointment for four long jumpers who took part in a special competition hastily arranged by scottishathletics to offer an opportunity for a last-day qualifying standard.

Lisa Ferguson and Gillian Cooke didn’t get close to the 6.20 required and indeed had to bravely nurse injuries in their attempts to add to their one previous standard.

Allan Hamilton had reached 7.81 the previous day in Birmingham but his best effort on Sunday was at 7.61m – four cms short of the Glasgow 2014 standard. James McLachlan couldn’t repeat the 7.63m form he had shown on the Saturday.

It was an emotional afternoon for many involved – coaches and families as well as the athletes themselves.

What is certain is that all were grateful to the officials involved for putting on the ‘extra’ long jump competition and for it to be added to the Summer Throws Festival. An example for future event specific fixtures, perhaps?

In the Throws event, there were no fewer than 37 PBs recorded from 88 entrants.

Andy Frost, who had competed the previous day, threw 67.78 for another CG standard and won £50 for the best male performance. Kimberley Reed’s best on the day was 60.31m.

Ciaran Wright was among the most impressive performers in the lower age groups. Ciaran improved his shot putt PB from 12.93 to 13.81 in the U20 age group.

Hugh Murray, National Coach Mentor for the Throws, stressed his thanks to all who competed on day when there were other competitions taking place and the officials for their diligence and patience in handling various events including the long jump.

Throws Results are here: https://sa.uniondigital.uk/calendar/events

Tags: Allan Hamilton, Kimberley Reed, Livingston, Rachel Hunter, throws