Athletics: Izzy is inspired by the Olympics (From Somerset County Gazette)

Athletics: Izzy is inspired by the Olympics

3:00pm Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in Sport

Taunton athlete Izzy Jeffs insists London 2012 has re-energised her desire for success after emerging disheartened from her first-place finish at the McCain Jumps & Throws Fest in Birmingham.

The 20-year-old’s winning javelin throw of 52.96m was nearly three metres down on her personal best but having taken a week out from training Jeffs was just happy to throw consistently, something she has improved on this season.

Having thrown a personal best of 55.79m in June as well as breaking UK-record holder Goldie Sayers’ BUCS Championships record in May, the Loughborough University student has had a lot to shout about.

But the Taunton ace has since struggled to maintain her success and is grateful the Olympic fortnight came along when it did – giving her a much-needed boost ahead of a gruelling winter training regime. “I just had a week out of training, so I thought I’d just come out here and see where I was, really,” said Jeffs.

“I thought my longest throw had gone a bit further, so I’m a bit disappointed, but I was pretty consistent, so I’m happy with that.

“I’m definitely going to go into winter training with a lot more hunger for success after the Olympics, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Jeffs added: “There’s a lot to work on in terms of my technique. It’s got a lot better this year but I just need to get into a rhythm of putting it all together.”

As desperate as she is to set the athletics scene alight - having experienced a taste of it with a third-place finish at the Aviva 2012 Trials - Jeffs is well aware that gradual and consistent improvements will be needed.

The McCain Challenge Competition - which covers Indoor, Outdoor track and field and Cross Country - is the country's premier domestic athletics series. Supported generously by UKA's Principal Partner McCain, the series provides top quality competition opportunities.