Taunton athlete Izzy Jeffs insists London 2012 has re-energised her desire for success after emerging disheartened from her first-place finish at the McCain Jumps & Throws Fest in Birmingham.
The 20-year-old’s winning javelin throw of 52.96m was nearly three metres down on her personal best but having taken a week out from training Jeffs was just happy to throw consistently, something she has improved on this season.
Having thrown a personal best of 55.79m in June as well as breaking UK-record holder Goldie Sayers’ BUCS Championships record in May, the Loughborough University student has had a lot to shout about.
But the Taunton ace has since struggled to maintain her success and is grateful the Olympic fortnight came along when it did – giving her a much-needed boost ahead of a gruelling winter training regime. “I just had a week out of training, so I thought I’d just come out here and see where I was, really,” said Jeffs.
“I thought my longest throw had gone a bit further, so I’m a bit disappointed, but I was pretty consistent, so I’m happy with that.
“I’m definitely going to go into winter training with a lot more hunger for success after the Olympics, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Jeffs added: “There’s a lot to work on in terms of my technique. It’s got a lot better this year but I just need to get into a rhythm of putting it all together.”
As desperate as she is to set the athletics scene alight - having experienced a taste of it with a third-place finish at the Aviva 2012 Trials - Jeffs is well aware that gradual and consistent improvements will be needed.
The McCain Challenge Competition - which covers Indoor, Outdoor track and field and Cross Country - is the country's premier domestic athletics series. Supported generously by UKA's Principal Partner McCain, the series provides top quality competition opportunities.
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