Sophie up and running with solid performance

Sophie Hitchon got a big season underway at the weekend at the Jamaica International Invitational IAAF World Challenge meeting in Kinston.
Great Britain's Sophie Hitchon smiles after her throw in the Women's Hammer Throw final during day six of the IAAF World Championships at the Beijing National Stadium, China. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 27, 2015. See PA story ATHLETICS World. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No transmission of sound or moving images and no video simulation. Call 44 (0)1158 447447 for further informationGreat Britain's Sophie Hitchon smiles after her throw in the Women's Hammer Throw final during day six of the IAAF World Championships at the Beijing National Stadium, China. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 27, 2015. See PA story ATHLETICS World. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No transmission of sound or moving images and no video simulation. Call 44 (0)1158 447447 for further information
Great Britain's Sophie Hitchon smiles after her throw in the Women's Hammer Throw final during day six of the IAAF World Championships at the Beijing National Stadium, China. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday August 27, 2015. See PA story ATHLETICS World. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No transmission of sound or moving images and no video simulation. Call 44 (0)1158 447447 for further information

Ahead of the European Championships and Olympic Games, the 24-year-old opened her campaign with 70.65m to finish third in the hammer.

In what was a thrilling competition, part of the IAAF Hammer Throw Challenge, current world number one Gwen Berry claimed first place as the American went out to 73.82m.

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Compatriot Amber Campbell had been the first woman over 70 metres, when she recorded 70.24m in the first round.

However, Campbell fouled her next three attempts and was overtaken.

Sophie, the British record-holder, who finished fourth at last year’s World Championships in Beijing, fouled with her first two attempts, but went into second place in the third round with her throw of 70.65m.

But she was bettered by another American in Jeneva McCall-Stevens, who finished second with her last effort of 71.06m.

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Speaking on her twitter account @SophieHitchon, Sophie, who bettered her mark in seven events last year, admitted: “A little disappointed with today.

“I ended up 3rd with 70.65 definitely not my best.

“Onto the next one.”

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