Freya comes up with the goods to seal PB
Talented Freya Howgate lined-up alongside the country’s best para athletes last weekend.
The dedicated Perth Strathtay Harrier travelled south to compete in a high-profile event hosted by British Athletics.
Invited athletes had exemptions to travel to the Coventry Spring Meet and Freya made the most of the opportunity.
Competing in the shot put, the Kilgraston student produced a personal best performance and finished top of the F37 classification.
Freya, who has cerebral palsy, certainly did herself and coach Jim Hunter proud.
“Freya was delighted, got a personal best and improved around another 30cm,” smiled Jim, who also turned the spotlight on volunteer coaches Ian Leitch and Eileen Wood.
“She was top of the classification of athletes there. I’m really happy she just enjoyed the experience.
“And good on her mum and dad – I call them team Howgate. The invite was only confirmed early last week.
“It was four or five days notice but they got everything organised to get down there.
“It’s all about teamwork and we like to think that the Harriers have a hand to play in it.
“Freya has had a season like all other people in sport. It’s not been normal because of coronavirus but she kept herself fit.
“She was active, worked to a programme and did all the remote training. That has all paid off.
“After a really odd year, she is still performing. So I’m really proud. From a club perspective, we are really chuffed for her.”
Freya’s continual improvement – she is also a talented javelin thrower and runner – is just reward for all the hard work she has put in to this point, Jim says.
She is on the right track to continue to compete on the main stage in the coming months and years.
Jim added: “In my words, they probably now have Freya on what the Para GB squad call a watch list.
“The coaches will keep an eye on her and invite her to events like the one in Coventry. That one was invitation only.
“She is immersed in the GB paralympic trials and squads, competing with what might be her future team-mates.
“Freya has improved five to 10 per cent on her shot put every year for the past three or four seasons.
“If she continues on that trajectory, she is probably looking at being a contender the next time around.
“But there are always a lot of ifs and buts. She is on this talent programme and is now part of the group.
“For me, as a coach for about 10 years now – she was a wee primary one or two when she first came – it’s a proud moment.
“It’s probably as high as we’ve ever got. But we’ll take it wee steps at a time.”
After her impressive performance in Coventry, Freya was back in training with Perth Strathtay Harriers on Tuesday.
The club, based at the George Duncan Athletics Arena, recently returned to group training as coronavirus restrictions eased.
If you are interested in getting involved with the club, email info@strathtayharriers.co.uk
In my words, they probably now have Freya on what the Para GB squad call a watch list