Hammer time for a Chilean in Shrewsbury
An international hammer thrower has been helping the next generation of potential stars to hone their skills in Shropshire.
Chilean athlete Odette Palma has been living in Shrewsbury for three weeks while visiting her boyfriend's family.
The popular 32-year-old recently qualified for next month's Pan-American Games – America's version of the European Championships – in Canada and Palma.
She's been training rigorously at Shrewsbury Athletics Club to keep her skills sharp during her stay.
Palma lives and trains in Australia with former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Peter Farmer.
Farmer also taken time out to pass on her extensive knowledge of the throwing disciplines, including discus and shot, to the club's young athletes.
Among those who have benefitted from training alongside Palma are the daughters of club secretary Sharon Thomas.
Discus thrower Ceri, 12, and hammer thrower Rhiannon, 14, have both received pointers to improve their technique and distance, ahead of the Mason Trophy regional athletics event in Birmingham.
Sharon said: "Odette has been staying for a few weeks and she just needed somewhere to be able to keep training while she is here.
"She has also done a little bit of coaching, not just with the hammer throwers but with the shot and discus throwers as well.
"Both of my daughters have benefitted from it. She has been helping them fine-tune their skills for competition.#
"She has inspired a lot of our youngsters and having her here has benefitted both athletes and coaches just because of her knowledge and expertise."
Palma, who is aiming to qualify for next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro added: "I am so happy that Shrewsbury have given me the chance to train while I am here.
"Everyone has been really welcoming and and the town has been amazing.
She added: "I like coaching, sharing my experience and Shrewsbury has a lot of talented young athletes. I have enjoyed coaching them and helping to motivate them."
Shrewsbury Athletics Club currently has around 250 members and train at Shrewsbury College of Arts & Technology.
n Further information on the club is available online at www.shrewsburyac.org.uk.
