Ben has had an amazing throwing season this year, following a difficult couple of years during the pandemic.
At the beginning of this season, Ben was throwing about 61m – not a bad achievement, number 2 in the UK. He continued to improve his distances with every competition and was selected to compete at the UK Senior Championships in Manchester in June 2022. Here, he had the competition of his life and finished 2nd with a massive personal best throw of 73.49m – only 50cm behind the winner!
Ben then overcame two injuries to qualify for the U20 World Championships in Cali, Colombia, in August 2022 where he represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He had an amazing experience and learnt a lot – but unfortunately finished outside the top 12.
Ben has now been selected to represent England in the upcoming ETC Throws Fest in Northampton in September 2022 – the first time he’ll wear an England vest. It will be run in the same format as the World Championships as there will be qualifying the day before the actual competition. This is a new format to Ben, but he is hoping he will gain more experience ahead of future competitions.
Throughout these competitions, Luke Angell has been by his side, guiding and supporting Ben. He was unable to go to Cali but managed to speak regularly, despite the 6 hour time difference.
Ben is off to Loughborough University in September but hopes to continue his javelin training and competitions and to have Luke as his coach. Who knows what’s round the corner for him!
Ben has a new website: beneastjavelin.co.uk where he regularly posts Instagram updates of his training, performanceand achievements. There is also the possibility to sponsor him and watch some videos there.
