A major landmark was eclipsed today in the world of throws. Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland produced a new World Record in the Hammer Throw with a throw of 81.08m, bettering her previous record of 79.58m.
Whilst it is not necessarily a ‘red-carpet’ event in the sport of track and field, hammer throw has always been of incredible standard, and with today’s throw surpassing the elusive 80m barrier, it certainly hasn’t done the event any damage.
There have only ever been four women to throw further than 78m in history in the women’s hammer throw, all within the last three years. With the World Championships rapidly approaching, it will without a doubt make for an enticing competition come the final.
Hammer throwing has even taken-off in Britain in the past year, with Sophie Hitchon preparing to take on Wlodarczyk in Beijing and Mark Dry (Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and Scottish national record holder) and recent British record holder Nick Miller becoming the first two British men to represent Britain at the World Championships in the Hammer in 18 years, with the last British man to represent Britain being Michael Jones in 2001, where he finished 27th respectively.
