Hunter over 66m on great day for women’s hammer

Sunday 18th May 2014

Rachel Hunter led the way for Scotland’s female hammer throwers – with the second best throw of all-time landing her second place behind Sophie Hitchon at Loughborough.

A PB performance of 66.30 surpassed even the 20-year-old’s expectations as she once again interupted studies in nursing to compete in a senior international for Scotland for the first time.

Susan McKelvie took second place in the battle of the four Scots, with the Edinburgh AC athlete already selected for Team Scotland throwing 63.82.

With two places up for grabs for Hampden, Myra Perkins picked the right moment to throw a PB of 63.11 and post her first Commonwealth Games standard. Kimberley Reed was a fourth Scot beyond the 61m mark being asked for Glasgow 2014 with the U20 athlete, representing GB Juniors in Loughborough, at 61.76 on Sunday

It was a day when there were Scotland event wins for Emily Dudgeon at 800m and Ryan McKinlay at 3000m steeplechase with Laura Whittle and Jake Wightman also winners, as they represented hosts Loughborough University.

In the high jump, there was a second place for Allan Smith at 2.20 and third for Jayne Nisbet at 1.82m.

In the women’s hammer, competition is intensifying and Hunter is adamant nobody can relax between now and the close of qualifying on June 8.

‘It was even more than I was hoping for – but the conditions were ideal and my technique was good today,’ said Rachel, who thanked coach Chris Black for extra tuition in Loughborough late last week.

‘I had a Uni exam last Wednesday and then came down here to train with my coach, Chris Black. We trained twice on Thursday and Friday and it was a big help.

‘It was a great competition here today with four Scots fighting it out and it could go to the wire for the Commonwealth Games. I don’t think I can take anything for granted until I receive the confirmation letter, email or phonecall from scottishathletics and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

‘The season has worked out well for me so far throwing a few PBs, winning at BUCS and then taking second place with over 66m on my first Senior appearance for Scotland. It is an exciting time and I am enjoying it.’

*Rachel Hunter pictured at Loughborough by Bobby Gavin.

Tags: hammer, Rachel Hunter