Thetford Academy student, 14-year-old Leon Pullen, started throwing the hammer about two years ago and hasn’t looked back. Attending training in rain or shine with his fellow thrower, Tom Norkett, the pair regularly compete around the country.
Since the start of this year’s season, Leon has already competed in four competitions with the 4kg hammer. On Saturday 28th February, Leon competed in two open hammer throw competitions in Basingstoke. He came 1st in both competitions, improving his personal best (PB) twice.
On Sunday 1st March, Leon competed in the UK and England Athletics National Winter Long Throws Championships at Loughborough University. This was an invite-only competition, so Leon had to have his entry approved based on competition distance standards. Just to be accepted for this competition is a big achievement in itself. He performed very well and improved his PB three times. Leon came 2nd overall, winning a silver medal and a new PB of 54.34m!
On 14th March, both Leon and Tom competed at the Stonex Stadium in London. This event featured a line-up of stellar athletes including Team GB’s Jake Norris, England’s current number one female hammer thrower Charlotte Payne, and former Olympian Chris Bennett. Leon threw in the pool with Jake Norris. He succeeded in winning his age group in the 4kg hammer throw and broke the meeting record by 4m. Leon scored a PB of 12.55m in the 4kg shot put, also winning his age group and pool. Tom delivered an excellent performance, achieving a PB of 47.04m with the 6kg hammer, winning his age group. Another fantastic weekend for both and a strong start to the 2026 season!
