Burnley hammer thrower Sophie breaks British record in London 2012 Olympics

BURNLEY’S Sophie Hitchon broke her own British hammer record on the way to qualifying for the Olympic hammer final this morning.

The 21-year-old former Ivy Bank pupil threw 71.98m in the third and final to qualify in 10th place - with the top 12 progressing to Friday’s final, which starts at 7-35 p.m. in the Olympic Stadium.

She knew it was a great effort as soon as she released the hammer, and when the distance flashed up, her smile told the whole story as she beat her previous personal best by 37cms to take fifth in Group A.

Sophie had an anxious wait to see if her efforts had earned her a place in the final after Group B competed, but ultimately she comfortably progressed on her Olympic debut.

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