In the realm of Hammer Throw, where precision meets power, Hope Still emerges as an unstoppable force. With a season-ending flourish, she secured the top spot in London and an impressive 7th position in the entirety of the UK, propelling a 3kg hammer to a personal best of 49.18m. These aren’t just numbers; they narrate a saga of unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport that demands both finesse and fortitude.

This captivating throwing event involves athletes swinging, turning, and releasing a hammer—a weighted ball on the end of a chain. At the centre of this intriguing sport is Hope Still, a dedicated hammer thrower with a remarkable journey that blends passion, perseverance, and triumph.

Hope’s journey into her sport was anything but conventional. As a young athlete showing early signs of dyslexia, she found herself enrolled into an athletics club by her mother, and when running failed to capture her interest, everything changed when at the age of ten, she tried her hand at the hammer throw. Her coach, recognising her potential, declared, “that’s a hammer thrower,” and so Hope’s love for the sport began.

Beyond the personal challenge, she cherishes the positive and welcoming community of fellow hammer throwers, where the camaraderie among these athletes stands out. The young athlete takes pride in her top 10 status in the UK, a testament to her dedication and perseverance, overcoming potential barriers that can favour those with financial means or a background in throwing.

Hope embarked on her hammer throw journey at the age of eleven. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her training, resulting in a loss of a year and a half during her Under 15 period. Undeterred, she joined Dartford Harriers in 2021, marking a new chapter in her career. In her age category, her accolades include being the Kent Champion for 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as securing a commendable 6th place at the 2023 English Schools competition. Notably, she was selected for the Youth Talent Program for 2023-25, training in Loughborough and pursuing a Sports Science Diploma with Loughborough College.

Hope’s advice to aspiring hammer throwers echoes her own experience: “Do it! Hammer throw is such a rewarding athletics event, and whilst it’s a challenge, it’s not impossible. Why would I want to run when I could throw?” And for Hope, throwing is more than just a sport - it’s a way of life that instils respect, sportsmanship, and resilience. Her journey is an unwritten story, an encouragement for others to embrace sports’ myriad of opportunities irrespective of their background.

As a testament to the transformative power of sport, Hope Still stands as an inspiration. Challenges become stepping stones to victory, and passion fuels a journey of perpetual growth and achievement. Hope’s story is a beacon for all aspiring athletes, urging them to discover their own path to victory and fulfilment in the world of sports.