Good morning,

Yesterday I competed in Shot Put in the Under 17 category at the English Athletics Indoor championship. I had met the qualifying distance at the end of 2023. 

This event was at Sheffield and it is the first time I have competed in a national final. It was an early start, we left home at 6.00 am to ensure we could be at the stadium in time for registration and to collect my number. I was extremely nervous but also excited, not helped by having watching the live stream of the event the day before which made me realise how busy it would be. 

I had two warm up throws and then six throws in the actual competition. There was no podium finish this time but I have learnt so much for future competitions and thoroughly enjoyed my day. The atmosphere and venue were amazing, with music, commentators, loads of spectators. 

The indoor 2024 season is now just about finished but I am already making plans for the outdoor season and fingers crossed I will qualify for more big events. 

I have attached a picture of me outside the stadium with my coach Chris Lees and by separate email will send a video. It was tricky to get any pictures as spectators had to stay in the stands which were quite a distance from where I was throwing.

Thank you so much for your support.

Harvey.