Decathlete competes

A TEENAGER from Wargrave will be competing in the decathlon at the under 20s national athletics championships this weekend.

Sammy Ball, 18, of Victoria Road, achieved two personal bests at the Berkshire championships, which were held in Reading earlier this month. 

He threw the javelin 48.50m and cleared 4.40m in the pole vault.

He said: “They were two of the weaker events for me, so it was about practising for the nationals.

“I’ve been working quite hard at them so it was good to see that paying off.”

After spending the winter building up his fitness, Sammy is now focusing on technical work.  

He said: “There’s always work to do. I’m feeling fitter than ever. I went for warm weather training in Portugal in April, which was really good. I’m injury-free at the moment.”

The championships will take place in Manchester on Saturday and Sunday.

Sammy said: “My mum and dad and coach will be there and some training partners so there will be a good atmosphere.

“The goal is firstly to qualify for the European Championships in Jerusalem in September and secondly to break the UK record across the 10 events.”