Norfolk Athletics Championships: Sophie McKinna sets new county record but it’s not enough to qualify for London

There were a huge number of entries for the Norfolk Athletics Championships at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich last weekend.

The top individual performance came from Yarmouth's shot putter Sophie McKinna as she looked to throw the qualifying distance of 17m45 for the World Championships in London later this year.

However, it was not to be for the 22-year-old although she did manage a throw of 16m42, which was a new county record and the third best in the country this year. Not a great number of international athletes support their county championships so her participation was a great example for younger athletes.

The records continued in the throws. Oliver Masssingham (City of Norwich) threw the under 20 discus out to an impressive 46m 61.

Lucy Koeningsberg from West Norfolk set a new under 17 hammer record of 50m 96. Gemma Vickery threw 46m 46 for a senior women's record with very impressive throwing also coming from Callum Brown in the men's hammer.

Not to be outdone, James McLachlan beat a 30-year-old record in the men's long jump with a distance of 7m 27, a performance which will put him high in the national rankings.

This year's championships, which were organised by Athletics Norfolk, had more than fine individual performances. The Quadkids event for young athletes was held in the two-day meeting.

Events for master (veteran) athletes were extended and proved to be very popular. A new addition to the programme was the inclusion of the Special Olympics for athletes with learning disabilities. The enthusiasm from these athletes was a sight to see and the inclusion of these events was classed as a great success.

The middle distance events provided some very good competitions. In the under 17 age group Will Mahoney had a fine 1500m and 3000m double. The mile event was reintroduced for seniors and James Senior had another impressive double in that event and in the 5,000m.

Abi Durand, a newcomer from North Norfolk Harriers, scored another double victory in the under 15 1500m and 3000m. Charlie Wakefield from the Ryston club also did the middle distance double in impressive fashion. Serena Grace (City of Norwich) was another who showed great sprinting ability in the under 15 age group.

Many of the school age athletes were chasing qualifying performances for the English Schools championships in July.