Javelin star wins match with personal best

Javelin thrower James Bongart threw a record best of 54.15m as he won his latest British League match at the weekend.

Representing Woodford AC at the Gateshead International Stadium, the 17-year-old is helping to get his side promoted to the Premiership of the national athletics league, which featured clubs from across the country.

One of the youngest throwers of the 16 competitors, James said: “I had six throws which were all really good. The majority were over 50m with two over 53m, including the personal best, meaning I now have the standard to go into the English schools champs.

“The weather wasn’t the best with a Met Office weather warning for the Gateshead area! – but I was so focused on throwing well, I didn’t let it get the better of me. I didn’t go there to win, just to throw well, but I achieved both.”

James next competes at Crystal Palace for the South of England championships at the weekend, before taking part in the England Championships at Bedford.