TRAINING during lockdown in Bonchurch by setting up a mini ‘centre of excellence’ at his parents’ home did not hamper discus thrower Nick Percy in winning gold at the Muller British Athletics Championships in Manchester on Saturday.

It was an incredible achievement for Nick in defending his title — his fourth — after spending months confined to the Island and denied the kind of discus throwing facilities he had become accustomed to, and which his mainland opponents were able to take advantage of.

Pleased to win the championship, Nick, 25, was also a little disappointed with his performance.

The Scotland international unleashed a mark of 59.74m — just short of his PB.

“My performance? I wasn’t too happy with it. I was under par. But on a championship day, you do what you have to do to win,” said Nick.

“You’ve just got to stay calm and tell yourself you have one or two more chances to make a clean throw.

“My whole year has been built around coming to the championships, so I’m very happy with the overall result.

“In March, I didn’t know if the season would happen, so to be able to come away with something — and some of my best throws — was a real bonus."

  • For the full story, see this Friday's edition of the County Press.