Story By Coach Bjorn Jansen
Two weeks after finishing sixth in the Senior Girls' Discus at the English Schools Championships, Neva Jansen travelled to Bedford for the National Age Group Championships. Backing up a major championship performance within a fortnight is never straightforward. The physical load is significant, the mental reset takes real effort, and the margins at national level leave no room for anything less than full preparation. Neva did exactly that.
A First Round That Changed Everything
Arriving in Bedford, Neva knew something more was possible. To make the cut after three rounds and continue in the U18 Discus competition, she needed a throw close to her personal best of 37.45 metres. In the first round, she produced the biggest throw of her career. A 39.88-metre effort, a personal best by nearly two and a half metres, was enough to continue in the competition and secure bronze and claim her second national medal in two years.
It is a performance that reflects not just ability, but courage and conviction at exactly the right moment.
A Decision That Made the Difference
What makes this result particularly significant is the context behind it. Following the Surrey Championships in May, Neva decided to change her coaching setup, moving to work with Neville Thompson and also continue with Chris Privett. It was a decision she made on her own, and one that has paid dividends in the most visible way possible.
A national medal, awarded for her best throw, is the reward for that decision.
A Proud Moment for the SpeedPro Group
From everyone at SpeedPro, we could not be prouder of what Neva has achieved this summer. Her performances at the English Schools Championships and the Nationals are a reminder of what is possible when preparation, courage and hard work come together at the right time.
Neva was not the only SpeedPro athlete to compete at this level across the summer. For Holly Townsend, Thomas Whorton and Seb Smith, being on the national stage is an achievement. Although they didn't reach the finals, their progress this summer has been impressive and offers promise for the indoor season.
The indoor season is five months away. On the evidence of this summer, there is plenty to look forward to from everyone in this group.
