ATHLETICS: Nicholls picked for Great Britain
CRAWLEY discus thrower Jade Nicholls has earned herself selection for the European Under-23 Championships by achieving her best-ever distance.
She finished second at the England Athletics Aviva Under-23 and Under-20 Championships/European trials held at Bedford on Saturday.
And the 22-year-old saved her best for last when she reached a massive 54.27 metres which was more than a metre better than her previous best of 53.15m.
She was leading the competition and was on track for a national title at her age-group when her opponent and England ranked No.1 Eden Francis overtook her with 54.90m.
Jade's final throw so impressed the selectors that she has been offered a place in the Great Britain team alongside Francis in what will be her first major championship.
This is despite her not yet having reached the guideline distance of 55m to take part in the championships, which are to be held in Kaunas, Lithuania from July 16-19.
Jade, from Maidenbower said: "I am surprised to get in as usually only one thrower goes.
"I would like to thank my coach, who has helped me with both the psychological as well as physical side."
Jade prepared the previous weekend by winning the South of England Championships in Watford, throwing 50.48m.
Crawley AC's Dani Christmas did not qualify for Lithuania, having finished third in the 800m in 2.06.24s, one place ahead of Crawley club-mate Hannah Brooks in fourth.
Crawley's Andy Marsh gained bronze in the pole vault with a leap of 4.80m.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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