Sophie Mckinna (pictured) of Great Yarmouth & District Athletic Club ended her season at the UK School Games at the Cardiff International Stadium representing the East of England team.

Sophie Mckinna (pictured) of Great Yarmouth & District Athletic Club ended her season at the UK School Games at the Cardiff International Stadium representing the East of England team. The set-up mirrors the Olympics/Commonwealth Games with an opening/closing ceremony and accommodation at Cardiff University.

Sophie has had an amazing first season in the U17 shot-putt, winning gold at the SIAB International in Belfast for England, a silver at the England U17 Championships, bronze at English Schools, silver in the Southern Indoor Championships and bronze at the Southern Outdoor Championships.

She also won the Norfolk Championships, along with the Eastern Championships. She broke the county record that had stood since 1982 in July with a throw of 12.44m which she then beat again in August with a new PB of 12.56m which places her in third place in the UK rankings.

In Cardiff her first round throw of 12.22m was the biggest throw in the competition until she beat it in the fifth round with a throw of 12.27m. In the very last throw of the competition the girl who is ranked first in the UK threw 12.37m which meant that Sophie won the silver medal.

It was a fantastic achievement considering the ages and experience of the other throwers, and this season she has surpassed all her expectations. She has given 100 per cent representing her club, county and country to fully deserve all her success.