Commonwealth Games: Sophie McKinna aiming for Glasgow 2014
Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Shot putter Sophie McKinna is confident of making the England team at the Commonwealth Games after learning she is to receive lottery funding.
The 19-year-old is on the list of athletes deemed to have the potential to win a medal at the 2020 Olympics.
And she is now on course to compete the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"I've thrown the A standard once, nearly twice, and the B standard 13 times. So hopefully I'll be selected," she told BBC Radio Norfolk.
England Athletics has set an A standard of 17.10m and a B standard of 16m for Glasgow.
Great Yarmouth's McKinna, coached by double Commonwealth shot putt gold medallist and former World's Strongest Man Geoff Capes, is currently ranked number one in Britain, and fourth in the Commonwealth, after throwing distances of 17.12m and 17.09m last season.
"My nearest rival has thrown the B standard three times," she added.
"It's a positive to have thrown the standard that many times and hopefully that will mean they will take me to Glasgow."
McKinna enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2013, earning her first British vest at the European Team Championships and winning silver at the European Junior Championships.
And she will begin the new season with funding as part of UK Athletic's podium potential programme.
"It's good to get the attention of the people who make the big decisions. Hopefully, I can go on and show them that they made the right decision," said the teenager.
"The backing gives me stability and allows me to go on warm weather training. Hopefully I can train more often as I come into my most important years."
