Athletics: Record-breaking throw is likely target for Reed

Capital hammer-thrower Kimberley Reed (Edinburgh AC) will need to be in the form of her life when she launches her challenge in the qualifying round of the World Youth Championships in Lille, France later today.

The 16-year-old Drummond Community High pupil has already revised her own Scottish record twice this season, reaching a UK under-17 record of 55.98 metres in taking the Scottish Schools title at Grangemouth last month.

Judging by the amazing under-18 talent on show in Lille from around the world, Reed may well have to break her record again just to reach the final.

She has already seen the only other Scot in the team, Nick Percy, the Isle of Wight-based discus thrower, push his own Scottish under-17 record up from 57.16m to 58.95m - and still finish only seventh in the final.

"The World Youths are only every second year, so this is my only chance," says Reed, who is coached by veteran Borders throws guru Alan Bertram.

More realistically however, she may have a better podium chance in the Commonwealth Youth Games which take place in the Isle of Man in September.