Lawton Takes National Stage
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
On the 25th July 2025, Amelia Lawton represented Thanet Athletics Club in the Hammer Throw at the U20 National Championships, held in Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. This was new territory for Amelia and the club, marking a real milestone for both.
With the temporary loss of our training facilities at The Royal Harbour Academy since 2024, it's been a real challenge to find a site with an appropriate throwing cage facility in the area. Amelia has had to travel to Canterbury with the rest of the group for a vastly reduced training timetable; meaning less practice than her compatriots. Due to this being a crucial A-Level exam year, the St Lawrence College sports scholar couldn't compete a full timetable of events leading up to this to gain that valuable competition experience.
Amelia Lawton in action. Photos By: Julien Lawton.
Amelia has benefited from being selected for the England Athletics Youth Talent Program (YTP) in 2023 and over these last 2 years this scheme has equipped her with skills in nutrition, exercise plans and mindfulness. She's also benefited from three great coaches, Mike Both, Tim Williams & Chloe Williams, who saw Amelia's potential and have honed her skills. Thanet Athletics Club is one of the few UK clubs with high performing field event groups and qualified throws coaches.
A snapshot of Amelia's national appearance, featuring Coach & Level 4 official, Tim Williams. Photos By: Lorna Stockley.
Against the best of all the devolved nations and England, Amelia threw a very respectable 40.14m, just shy of her personal best of 42.37m resulting in a 10th place finish.
Despite all these challenges, Amelia performed remarkably well, reaching a national championship for the first time and also the first time a Thanet Athletics Club throws athlete to ever reach this level, marking continues success of the club.
If you wish to Be Your Best and would like to find out more information about the club, please reach out at www.thanetac.co.uk
Julien Lawton
Although clearly I’m a proud father, the whole club gets to enjoy this moment of prominence on a national stage.
Without the support of Tim and Chloe Williams, the peer support from the throwing group and the positive culture that the club has in spades, none of this would be possible.
I am and will be eternally grateful and we are more to come with Adriana competing in the under 17 national championships soon.