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Page last updated at 14:24 GMT, Wednesday, 18 August 2010 15:24 UK

Sophie McKinna unmoved on Youth Olympics form

Sophie McKinna
McKinna is coached by Commonwealth gold medallist Geoff Capes

Norfolk's Sophie McKinna was left with mixed emotions after qualifying in fifth place for the shot-put final at the Youth Olympics.

The 15-year-old progressed to the finals thanks to a throw of 14.30m in Singapore, but fell well short of her 15.08m personal best.

She told BBC Radio Norfolk: "I'm pleased but disappointed at the same time because I know I can go further.

"I can improve in the final and it's just about getting that big one out."

Poland's Anna Wloka, 17, topped the leader board with a throw of 15.77m and it is likely McKinna will have to break her lifetime best if she is to get among the medals.

The rest of my family have been staying up and have watched it live on the internet, they're all very chuffed as well

Shot-putter Sophie McKinna

"What you have to look at is that it is just the qualifier and it's not always the qualifier you have to perform in," she said.

"I will hopefully be joining them above that 15m barrier in the final."

The Great Yarmouth athlete will not be short of support in the Bishan Stadium, with her close family making the 6,500-mile journey with her.

"I've got my nan, granddad, mum, dad and little sister here," she added.

"But the rest of my family have been staying up and have watched it live on the internet, they're all very chuffed as well."



see also
McKinna looks for Olympic sparkle
17 Aug 10 |  Athletics
London 2012 on McKinna's agenda
16 Jul 10 |  Athletics
McKinna through to Youth Olympics
29 May 10 |  Athletics
Athletics on the BBC
21 Apr 11 |  Athletics


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