Express & Star

Rachel Wallader defend British shot put crown with stunning late PB

Stourbridge shot putter Rachel Wallader has defended her title at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in dramatic circumstances.

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The 28-year-old threw an indoor personal best of 17.45m in the final round to clinch gold in Birmingham.

It was just enough to edge out her long-term friend and training partner Sophie McKinna, who had led for most the competition and responded with her own personal best of 17.42m.

It’s 31 years since two British women threw over 17.40m in the same indoor competition.

“I managed to pull it out of the bag last year against Sophie so I knew I had that throw to deliver,” said Wallader, to Athletics Weekly.

“I expect a lot of myself so I was delighted to throw a PB. But I really thought Sophie had got me on the last throw – it was a fantastic effort.”

McKinna said: “There’s elation and disappointment. It’s been a fantastic competition, great to be a part of and finally women’s shot is starting to raise the standard and we’re matching the Europeans.”

Wallader’s outdoor personal best is 17.53, which she threw in Swansea in June 2016.