SUPER SOPHIE
With a Commonwealth Games medal in her sights and a wedding in September, 2018 is a big year for Burnley hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon. lan Tomlinson always knew his granddaughter was destined for great things. Turns out he was right – his granddaughter is hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon. Not only is she the current senior British record holder, she was also a bronze medallist in the 2016 Rio Olympics – a feat that sealed her place in history as Great Britain’s first Olympic medallist in the event. “My grandad always said I would be good at the hammer,’ said Sophie. “He saw what I was capable of long before I realised. He’s very proud of what I’ve done, as are all my family, but he’s just absolutely thrilled.” It is during her childhood, growing up in Burnley, where she discovered and nurtured her love for sport. Parents Michael – a former competitive sprinter turned athletics coach – and Wendy who got involved with club events, used to take Sophie and her younger sister, Emma, to sessions at Pendle Athletic Club in Nelson. Sophie was hooked. She then moved on to Blackburn Harriers – as did her parents. It was during her time spent at these clubs that her love for hammer throwing was sparked. “Having family focussed on sports really had a good impact,’ said Sophie, a former Ivy Bank High School pupil. “Athletics has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I tried all sorts of different sports, going down to the club nights Pendle AC. That continued at the Harriers – it was there I took up the hammer. “I had a really quick progression which motivated me to carry on. My dad still coaches at Blackburn and I try to go back as much as I can. There are people there who are doing well and I’m just Sophie when I go back which is really nice. I feel a part of the group.” Things moved fast, and it was taking part in the World Young competition that sealed Sophie’s commitment to the sport. Since then she has blazed a trail in her field, including that British record and Olympic medal. In April, Sophie will be setting her sights on glory at the Commonwealth Games, being held 58 |
SUPER SOPHIE
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