BEN EAST

U15's UK Javelin Record Holder

Ben East - Team GB Javelin

Hello, I am Ben East and I have been competing in athletics for Team Kennet since I was 7 years old. I started by competing in Quadkids, my favourite event being the vortex which got me into the world of throwing! During my training sessions I would often watch Luke Angell throwing the javelin as he trained which inspired my passion in javelin.

I then started javelin training from the age of 11. Luke, now my coach, has helped me to progress and learn constantly throughout my athletic career due to his incredible dedication and commitment to the sport and all his athletes. I now train as much as I can, striving to better myself and improve my technique, always looking forward to what I can achieve in the future and what else I can learn next.

As an under 15 athlete, I broke the British record on 5 occasions, leaving a final mark of 70.66m. In the same year I went on to win the county, Southern England and English school’s championships. I moved to the under 17 age group in 2019 and ended the season as UK number one, then in the following season I achieved 73.04m, which ranked me 8th in the world athletics standings. The 2020 and 2021 seasons were a challenge for everyone due to the pandemic but I was lucky to receive help from a number of local organisations and sponsors which allowed me to train at home and in safe spaces locally.

I re-grouped at the start of the 2022 season with help from Luke and my new PT Connor Richardson. Since the start of the 2022 season, I have been more focused and re-energised, achieving a 12m advance on my PB which won me the silver medal in the Senior UK championships in June with my best ever throw of 73.49m.

My performances this year have also given me the chance to qualify for the world championships which will be held in Colombia in August and earn my first GB vest.