STOURBRIDGE shot putter Rachel Wallader is showing brilliant progress as she looks towards the Rio Olympics next year.

She is having a year to remember after smashing her personal best throw by 59cm to finally break the 17m barrier.

Her furthest throw of 17.42m ranks her as the UK’s number one shot putter this year and handed her the British Outdoor Championship title.

The throw is also the furthest distance achieved by a British female in the last 15 years according to records.

Wallader has also added victories in the England Championships and the CAU Inter-Counties event to her British title.

She said: “I have experienced two Diamond League competitions this year, one of which was the London Anniversary Games. There were 50,000 spectators which was my biggest competition yet.

“I have consistently thrown over 17 meters this year and have represented Great Britain in the European Team Championships in Russia.

“I am now on the road to Rio 2016. The qualification for the Olympics is 17.80m so will need to achieve this twice next year to ensure selection for the team but I feel is well within my capabilities.

“This years achievements and experiences are only just sinking in and I am starting to realise how close I am to the Olympic qualifying distance.

“Now I want to ensure everything is in place to ensure I make the team next year. ”

Any interest in sponsoring Wallader can contact her at rachel.wallader@gmail.com