Payne and Obamakinwa lead strong performances at Winter Long Throws

The Winter Long Throws Championships at Loughborough produced several championship bests and international qualifying performances. Charlotte Payne won her fourth title with a hammer throw of 71.16 metres, achieving a European Throwing Cup standard and again exceeding the Commonwealth Games requirement.

Zara Obamakinwa won the senior women’s discus with 56.60 metres, another championship best. Alice Howie threw 56.61 metres in the under-twenty women’s hammer, while Jabez Berry reached 67.12 metres in the men’s event to strengthen his European Throwing Cup selection prospects.

The programme also introduced seated shot competition, giving eligible para-athletes another opportunity before Commonwealth qualification closed. Several younger athletes improved personal bests despite rain, with organisers highlighting both technical progress and the value of competing during the winter training period.