Newbury javelin thrower Ben East is building up a strong run of form ahead of this year’s National Championships in Manchester.
A member of Team Kennet, Ben has competed in athletics since the age of seven, breaking the British under-15 record five times.
Since then, he’s pushed on to new heights, taking victory in last year’s UK Championships, with a throw of 72.97m.
Now 20 years old, Ben kicked off the year with a new personal best, reaching 75.85m at the BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships in May.
Just weeks later, he took victory at the Loughborough International. Having sat in fourth place all day with throws of around 68m, East pulled out an amazing 73.05m to take victory and secure his place as British number one.
Where did that winning throw come from? “I couldn’t tell you!”, he said.
“I had five rounds where I just wasn’t connecting with it.
“I went over and spoke to my coach [Newbury’s Luke Angell] with a shrug of the shoulders.
“He said ‘let’s switch it up a bit’,
“Somehow it sailed out to 73. I was as surprised as everyone else!”
A student at Loughborough University, Ben studies Mechanical Engineering alongside his training.
“Loughborough was a bit of a no brainer, it’s one of the best engineering universities in the country as well as being the best for sports facilities.
“They certainly have a good respect for people and their levels of sport if you need the extra time.”
As part of an exciting young group of British throwers, Ben is one of many who hold Olympic ambitions for the future.
“There’s a good generation of throwers moving up. When they get older and reach their peaks, we should have a good group.
“Hopefully similar to the days of Steve Backley and Mick Hill. It would be nice to see that.”
Although this group of young men regularly compete against each other, Ben is keen to praise the positive atmospheres of meetings and competitions saying how, “everyone’s very friendly.
“Everyone cheers each other on and has a good time. There’s not many sore losers. We’re not like the sprinters! [laughs]”
Ben and his fellow throwers are given plenty of support from British Athletics, with a legendary coach now passing on his wisdom.
“We’ve got John Trower at the moment, he was Backley, Hill and Mark Roberson’s coach!
“He’s been absolutely incredible, I’ve learned a lot from him. The technical developments are almost going back to basics.”
Work in the gym has been equally important, with an emphasis on prehabilitation to avoid future injury.
“The best way to win competitions is to stay fit! It’s an intense sport.
“We’re building up strength in the gym, but making sure we’re keeping the mobility that you need for the throw.”
Much of what makes a good throw though, is felt in the moment.
“Some sight line stuff and being smooth on the run, that’s how you cue yourself for a throw.
“You don’t come in thinking about the angles, it’s all about the feel of it
“If you line one up in a good wind, on a good day, it should go out.”
Looking forward to defending his British title in Manchester in June, Ben is doing everything he can to ensure that when the moment comes, he feels ready to seize it.
