Rising star Payne throwing right to the top as hammer sensation wins UK and European medals

Thatcham hammer thrower Charlotte Payne enjoyed another medal-filled month, defending her UK Athletics title and winning silver at the European Under-23 Championships.

Payne, who is profoundly deaf and holder of the deaf world record, threw 69.14m to retain her British title in Manchester and said it was no less special than her maiden title last year.

"The feeling of winning was just as euphoric as last year," she said.

"It was a big goal for me this season and I was so happy to achieve it."

Still only 21, Payne became just the third British woman ever to throw more than 70m in 2022 and has continued to go from strength-to-strength this season, extending her personal best to 72.51m in June.

She said: "I have honestly shocked myself a little bit with how much I've progressed both this year and last.

"I know how hard I'm working in the gym and at the track but it's always nice when it comes together with big throws.

"In the past 18 months we've added eight metres which I'm so proud of."

Payne continued her fine form with a silver medal at the European Under-23 Championships in Espoo, Finland, throwing 69.22m in the final.

It was the thrower's first international major championship medal and Payne, who is ranked 27th in the world, is determined to kick on as she looks to make her mark in senior competition.

"I was so relieved and happy to win a medal," she said.

"It's been a big goal of mine for a couple of years and it was my last chance at an age group international championship, so I knew I wanted to make my mark,

"Heading into the competition, I knew I was capable of achieving it but I'm so pleased I managed to pull it off on the big stage."

Payne is within touching distance of the 73.60m qualifying distance for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest towards the end of next month and is hopeful she can make it into what would be her first senior international competition.

She said: "It would mean so much to me to compete against the best athletes in the world.

"It was a real stretch goal for me this year so I would be over the moon to achieve it."