Day out Bainbridge United Kingdom

Young Norfolk Sports Academy member Dan Bainbridge.

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Javelin thrower Dan Bainbridge is one of 15 young athletes receiving coaching from the Young Norfolk Sports Academy.

Young Norfolk Sports Academy member Dan Bainbridge.

The 16-year-old, from Norwich, is ranked sixth in the United Kingdom at under-17 level for 2015 after throwing 60.74 metres at City of Norwich AC’s open meeting in April.

In the latest of our monthly updates with YNSA athletes, the Langley School pupil gives us an insight into his sporting development.

I started throwing the javelin when I joined the City of Norwich Athletics Cub (CoNAC) at the age of nine.

Since then, the sport has become my passion and I think it is fair to say that I now live, sleep and breathe javelin.

My personal goal is to go as far as I can in the sport and to push myself by staying focused on my targets.

My journey started at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich, progressing to regional and then national and international competitions.

It is an exciting journey and I look forward to every step – even the downs because it is from these that I can learn the most.

The 2015 season has been a successful year for me, throwing over 60 metres and culminating in a bronze at the England Athletics Championships and a gold at the UK Javelin Carnival. It has been difficult balancing GCSEs with my sporting commitments, but I am lucky in that Langley School supports me by providing both excellent training facilities and strength and conditioning advice.

I also represented the school at the English Schools Athletics Championships in Gateshead, finishing fourth.

In javelin, the road to success is a long haul and the best throwers peak in their late 20s. I am fortunate to have a fantastic coach in Tim Newenham, who has nurtured my development.

This winter, I have an intensive training programme with a focus on building my power, flexibility and throwing technique.