NEWQUAY and Par AC’s LAST DITCH THROWS meeting, which started 39 years ago to provide quality competition for its own athletes, has attracted some high profile international names over the years since, but none more so than Olympic discus thrower, Lawrence Okoye.

Lawrence visited Par Track on Sunday, September 22, having heard of its reputation.

Lawrence Okoye in action at Par Track. Picture: Newquay and Par AC
Lawrence Okoye in action at Par Track. Picture: Newquay and Par AC (Newquay and Par AC)

There was some doubt that he would arrive due to the forecasted rain, but luckily, this kept clear during the main part of the day. This allowed a spectacle for everyone as the Croydon athlete twice threw over 60 metres to smash the previous stadium record of 48.75 metres, his best on the day being 63.63.

Taunton Under 20 athlete Jacob Ford also broke the record with throws over 50 metres to make this the best discus competition seen in the county.

Apart from the headline acts, as usual, athletes travelled from Yate, Somerset and Gloucester, competing with the best from Devon and Cornwall with several personal best performances to finish the summer season in style.

Many joined in the excitement to get photographs or autographs, which Lawrence was more than happy to participate in, and has stated that after this welcoming first trip to Cornwall, he will definitely be returning.