Louisa achieves qualifying standard

The Hastings Athletic Club talent met the standard required for the women’s hammer of 58m with a new personal best throw of 58.58m on Wednesday, last week.

Her effort at an open meeting in Dartford was almost a metre further than her championship record throw of 57.66m in the under-20 women’s hammer at the Sussex Track & Field Championships earlier this season.

James, who finished third in the UK Junior Championships last weekend, has therefore put herself up for selection, which will take place on Sunday. The championships themselves will be held in Barcelona from July 10-15.

Last year the 17-year-old from Sedlescombe won the World Youth Championships and Commonwealth Youth Games titles, something which had never previously been done by male or female throwers. James is coached by her father, Ron.