Edwin's tower of power

Thomas, throwers continue to lead the way for Edwin

RAYMOND GRAHAM, Star Writer

Danniel Thomas continues to set a record-breaking place for Edwin Allen as she captured the girls Class I shot put open title with a new Champs record of 14.47 metres.

On Wednesday, Thomas, despite beating the previous record in the Class I discus, had to settle for a silver medal as she was beaten by a record throw from her teammate Tara-Sue Barnett. However, there was no stopping Thomas yesterday, as she destroyed St Jago High's Kellion Knibb's one-year old record of 13.64 metres. Silver in the event went to Holmwood Technical's Gleneive Grange with a distance of 13.74, while defending champion Knibb took bronze with 13.52 metres.

Thomas was over the moon when Star Sports caught up with her yesterday, following the spectacular win.

"I am very happy with this win as I was not the favourite and to come out and win, winning with a record throw makes it even sweeter," said Thomas.

no regrets

Thomas, who left Frome two years ago, credits quality competition for her success so far and understandably has no regrets about the change.

"I think training with the quality athletes on my team help us all to be very competitive and this has helped me to improve a lot," she said.

"Since coming to Edwin Allen I have improved a lot and I have no regret, and imagine what I would have done if I was there a longer time."

Asked if she was highly motivated after seeing Holmwood Technical break the record in the preliminary round of the competition earlier in the day she responded.

"I was very confident that I would have done something extra special because while we were warming up for the final I was using the boys' Class II implement and I was throwing close to the record, and that gave me a lot of confidence going into the final," she said.

As for the future, Thomas hopes to grow from strength to strength.

"I am in the process of looking universities overseas as I want to continue at the highest level but I am taking time as I want to make the right choice," she said.

Danniel Thomas of Edwin Allen during the Class-1 girls' shot put on day three of Champs 2012. - Ian Allen