Potter does Lewisham proud (From News Shopper)

Potter does Lewisham proud

5:23pm Tuesday 28th June 2011 in Sport

A LEWISHAM student broke a school record when he threw his way to a gold medal in the javelin at the London schools athletics championships.

St Matthew Academy Year 7 pupil Marcus Potter was representing the borough in the U12 javelin and certainly didn’t disappoint with an effort of 31m72cm, beating his nearest rival by just one cm.

Potter first shot to stardom when he won the Lewisham U12s shot putt and javelin earlier this year before going on to represent Lewisham at the London-wide event.

“I was so happy to win, especially as it was so close,” the youngster said.

He also came second in the shot putt, winning a silver medal for his throw of 9m26cm.

The annual championships pit athletes from 16 London boroughs against each other in a range of track and field events.

Winners in each event go on to represent the capital at the English schools athletics championships.

St Matthew Academy’s head of PE Gerry Franklin said: “It has been great watching Marcus grow in confidence and become such a good athlete.

“He has taken to these throwing events really well and his performances have been a great reward for his hard work and effort.

“His quiet approach has shown a dedication to succeed.”

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