YATE & District clubmates Theo Spurrell and Owen Merrett will be joined by Bristol & West AC’s Sophie Hamilton in the England team for the England Athletics Throws Fest at Moulton College, near Northampton, this weekend.
Reigning English Schools’ and England Athletics champion Spurrell will be looking to continue his outstanding season in the javelin while Merrett, who is coached by Matt Spicer, goes in the hammer.
In addition, Merrett has been handed the honour of being named as captain of the men’s squad.
“I had no clue I would be getting that and it has come as quite a surprise,” said 17-year-old Merrett.
“Obviously athletes will be able to talk to the coaches but I’m also there as another body for them to talk to about what they can expect competing at an international.”
Merrett’s England debut comes barely two weeks after receiving his first GB vest at the Manchester International, an event in which Hamilton also made her GB Under 20s debut.
Under the guidance of Ken Holmes Hamilton has made great progress this summer.
“Sophie is a very talented and committed athlete and is coming on quite well this season,” said Holmes.
“I’m really pleased with the way things are going.”
Hamilton, who lives in Wedmore and is a day student at Millfield School, only moved up into the under 20s age group this summer but has improved her personal best to 47.23m – which earned her a bronze medal at the English Schools’ Championships – to put her third in the UK Rankings with two more seasons ahead of her.