Hannah Blood is currently ranked No. 1 in Greater Manchester in the hammer throw. She studies PE (Sport Science), Mathematics and ICT on a mixed study programme at Ashton Sixth Form College.

Typically athletes train for number of years to gain numerous accolades and become number one in their sport. Through hard work and dedication, it has taken Hannah just one year at competition level to do so. Last year, she competed in her first national championship and now she is competing across the country gathering an outstanding amount of titles and championships along the way. She is currently ranked in the top 10 in England for the hammer throw.

In May, Hannah attended the Greater Manchester County Championship in Bury, throwing a personal best to win the U20’s competition. Last weekend she competed in the Greater Manchester Schools Track and Field Championships at Longford Park in Trafford, representing Tameside. She took first place throwing 48.11.

“I love it. It has its frustrating moments but when it comes together it’s incredible.”

Hannah’s love of athletics began when she joined her school team at Glossopdale Community College. She then began to train with Sale Harriers and has been there for three years. Originally she was self-taught in the hammer throw, but joining a club allowed her to gain the invaluable advice and experience from her coach who taught her technique and precision. In the early stages of her training, Hannah explained how it was months before she entered the cage to throw. The skill required to compete at such a level is an equal balance of power, technique and focus. It appears that Hannah has just that.

When asked about her proudest moment in her sporting career so far, Hannah said,

“I think really, it’s that I have gotten where I am so quickly.”

Reigning champion of Greater Manchester is a title that does not come without its sacrifices. Hannah trains 4 nights a week, as well as attending the gym 3 nights a week. She manages all of this in between her studies at Ashton Sixth Form College. Not forgetting her part time job at Manchester City and Manchester United, which play a massive role in funding her career.

Funding is a huge barrier in the athletic world. Hannah’s sporting career is entirely self-funded, with help from family. Ashton Sixth Form College have helped fund her next national competition, but for the hammer throw to become Hannah’s full-time career, there would need to be a huge change in funding available for athletes.

Hannah’s love for the sporting industry has influenced her future career pathway. Working part time at two of the biggest football clubs in the Premier League has opened her eyes to the incredible range of jobs available behind the scenes and as a result, she has plans to study a degree in the academic side of the sporting industry, possibly in Sports Management.

If the past year is anything to go by, Hannah has an incredible future ahead of her. One of her biggest drivers is her genuine enjoyment for the hammer throw.

“It’s so much fun, I’m really enjoying it. I’ve made so many friends competing. I’ve trained in Blackpool and Liverpool too and there’s so many people.”

Whether in a small completion mid-week, or at the Alexander Stadium seating over 12,000 people, her nerves are unwavering and her talent is outstanding.

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