UK Best for Ben with New Specification Javelin

At Wrexham at the Final Fling throws competition at the , Ben Clarke continued his stellar year as one of the UK’s best young javelin throwers. He put together a superb series of throws, equalling his PB of 58.97 on his second throw and then launching the javelin to a huge 62.04m with his fourth throw.  This was enough to secure him the win on the day and takes him to 4th in the national U17 rankings for 2025, one of only five athletes to have broken the 60m barrier.

However, in April 2025 the technical specifications for the javelin used in competitions for under 17 men were changed in the UK Athletics Rules of Competition. Whilst the weight remained at 700 grams the centre of gravity for the implement was moved forward resulting in the javelin being more likely to come down tip first but with implication of the flight length being reduced when compared against the previous implements. However, due to some supply issues an insufficient number of the new javelins across the UK forced competition providers to continue allow competitors to use javelins of the old specification in competition. Ben, in collaboration with his coach John Conroy, took the decision to compete throughout the season with new specification javelin. This was to support Ben to develop whilst using the new implement although it did place him at a disadvantage when competing against athletes using the previous specification of javelin.

England Athletics have now confirmed that Ben’s throw at Wrexham is the furthest throw recorded using the new specification javelin and it will therefore be expected to be ratified as a UK record for Ben. Not only is it a record, but it also meets the qualifying criteria for next year’s Under 18 European Championships. A great end of the season for the modest youngster from Tottington.