Lally books place in Olympic team

Having missed out at the London 2012 games, she made sure of her place in Team GB by winning the British Championships in Birmingham on Sunday.

Her 59.15m sixth round throw was a comfortable three metres ahead of her nearest rival.

Lally, 29, from Horsham and Crawley, had to finish in the top-two on Sunday having already reached the qualifying distance of 59m with new English records of 64.22m and 65.10 in Australia and New Zealand in February.

She revealed: “It was a formality: I needed to turn up, finish in the top-two and secure my place, like a lot of athletes.

“I did do but kind of did it the hard way which wasn’t my intention I wanted to really stamp my authority early on and open up really well and throw 60m with the first throw.

“But I didn’t - I hit the cage with my first throw, the second one was a very safe throw with a 54m when I took the lead and didn’t lose it.

“Because there was so much riding on that competition, physically I couldn’t stop shaking until round five. I made it a little bit harder than I needed to. It was horrible, windy conditions and I could flight the discus anywhere near how I should have, but I threw further than anyone else!”

Lally has been busy competing in the last few months in Australia, New Zealand and to Diamond League matches in Shanghai and Stockholm.

She said: “My aim for Rio is to make the final. When you reach the final, the top 12, having never been to the majors that would be a big achievement.

“Once the final’s done, it’s anyone’s game. I am not saying I am going to win - that’s a big jump from making the team for the first time!

“But I think I could get into the top-six or if I throw by PB, maybe fourth.”

Booking her place in the team for the Olympics has clearly not sunk in.

Lally said: “Yesterday was really exciting, getting kitted out. I don’t fully believe I am going until I get on the plane or maybe reach the holding camp.”

Lally will first fly out on Friday to the Netherlands with Team GB, having also been selected to compete in the European Championships in Amsterdam from July 6-10.

She added: “I expect eight to be there who will probably make the Olympic final. It’s really stiff. I aim to reach the final which will be top-12.

“From then I would like to make the top-eight. If I can get close to the medals, that will be great. That’s within my capabilities.”