Valhalla Throws Invitational
Monday 29th August 2022
On Monday 29th August Paul Wilson’s Valhalla Throws Invitational took place at York University track, on a warm and dry day, with great conditions for throwing. There were athletes as young as 14 and as old as the early 50s, with some stellar performances. Paul’s two female internationals graced the shot circle, with World Champion Chase Ealey setting a new stadium record in the women’s shot of 20.08m and Sophie McKinna continuing her conversion to rotational shot putting, with a throw of 15.89m. Geoff Capes’ grandsons Lawson and Donovan Capes also featured in the shot, whilst the European Bronze medallist Lawrence Okoye threw 64.78m in the discus, another stadium record. Best of the women’s discus throwers was Shadine Duquemin with a throw of 56.35m. Top performances in the hammer were Anna Merritt’s 50.41m and Amelia Hancock’s PB of 43.50m in the U17W. Lewis Forster was the longest javelin thrower of the day with 50.58m, but the closest tussle of the day took place in the U17W javelin with City of York athletes Kathryn Clague and Maya Lindridge separated by just 2cm – Kathryn’s throw of 35.61m just pipping Maya’s 35.59m. A great team of Northern Athletics officials, ably led by Malcolm Fletcher ensured things ran smoothly, volunteers from City of York were on hand to assist, York University sport centre staff were very helpful, and Paul Baxter took care of the announcements.
John Moreland
