A GOLD medal discus thrower is looking to triumph in the Paralympic Athletics World Championships in July after impressing in Chelmsford.
Josie Pearson, who is also a wheelchair rugby star, threw 6.7 metres at Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre – better than her 6.58-metre throw at London 2012 - and it would have been a world record at a different event.
"Unfortunately for Josie, although the distance stands and holds her in good stead for the Worlds, the world record cannot be ratified as the competition did not meet all the rigid criteria required," said centre manager David Griffin.
The Bristol-born athlete, who was paralysed after a car accident in 2003, was one of eight Paralympics GB athletes competing in Cerebral Palsy Sport's Grand Prix at the Melbourne site.
Also competing were bronze medallists Robin Womack and Gemma Prescott, as well as London Paralympic giants Jonathan Adams, Kieran Tscherniawsky, Derek Derenalagi and Rhys Jones.
"In difficult cold conditions many athletes performed well and a number gained season best performances," added Griffin.
At the May 18 event, Chelmsford Athletics Club's very own Joshua Bain, who competes internationally in the U20s, beat his personal best in the F37 shot put and javelin.
While last Saturday's CP Sport is primarily for athletes with cerebral palsy, all disabled groups are invited to the annual spectacle.
For more information, call the centre on 01245 605666.
