Louisa dedicates win to popular Reg

As reported last week, the Hastings Athletic Club talent clinched the women’s hammer in 58.10m on the Isle of Man.

James said: “I knew Reg really well and he was a great friend of my family. Every time I phoned him, he was always there to give some support.”

The 17-year-old’s new personal best throw came in the second round and two seems to be her lucky number because it was at the same stage of the IAAF World Youth Championships in July that she produced her gold medal-winning effort of 57.13m.

In her latest success, James was almost four metres clear of Scottish runner-up Kimberley Reed and nearly seven ahead of Australian third-placed finisher Mikki Genge. James’ throw also improved her own Sussex under-20 and senior record.

“I was incredibly happy,” added James, a student at the Parkwood federal sixth form. “It was a bit like the icing on the cake (after her World Youth Championships victory in Lille).”

James will round-off a triumphant season at an event near Bedford on Sunday before beginning winter training next month. She would like to thank Mark Beaumont for allowing her to use the throwing area at Claremont School for winter training.

Much-loved Hastings AC president Wild died on August 13 aged 72 following a long battle with cancer. Among the many he coached and encouraged was two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sean Baldock.