COLD Ash’s Charlotte Payne will set off for Rome this week as she prepares to compete in the European Athletics Championships.
The 22-year-old is a two-time hammer throw national champion and was selected for the World Championships last year.
The current UK number one has a personal best of 72.51m, inside the Olympic qualifying B standard.
Charlotte is deaf, but underwent cochlear implant surgery in February which has had a hugely positive impact on her everyday life.
Charlotte’s father Ian offered an insight into her journey and the challenges which her implant has brought to her performance.
“It’s been harder than we probably thought,” he said.
“When she’s got the implant on, the brain is a lot more active.
“Up until now, she’s not been able to hear her foot land in the circle.
“So there’s a lot more cues that we can give her in training, but at the moment there’s almost too many – sounds which she’s never heard before. It’s overstimulating.
“There’s been a lot of trial and error, but we’ve got the solution for now.”
This year has seen a recalibration of sorts, with Reading Athletic Club ace Payne finding top form once again to qualify for Rome.
Ian Payne said: “It was about showing form this year, but it was always going to be tight.
“With her age, Charlotte’s classed as ‘in development’, but she’s throwing a lot further than she should be at her age.
“She’ll be one of the youngest out there. She loves it.”
Going into her second European Championships, the Payne camp are hoping for further progress.
Mr Payne said: “To make the final is what we’d like.
“If she throws how we know she can, she should make the last eight.
“Medals would probably be a bit too far. But top eight in Europe? She’s definitely capable.”
No matter the result in Rome, this year has been another step forward for Charlotte.
This weekend she’ll hope to write the next chapter of her inspirational story.
