Langton Burnell satisfied with international debut in London

In his debut at a World Athletics Championships, Ben Langton Burnell was happy with his throw of 76.46m in the javelin despite not making it through to the final.

Langton Burnells best throw came on his first attempt of three, the other throws being 73.47m and 74.46m.

The current New Zealand champion, having taken over the mantle from training partner and mentor Stuart Farquhar has a personal best throw of 82.44m in Hamilton in June before he went on to win the Oceania title in Suva Fiji. The qualifying distance was 83.00m and thirteen achieved this for the final, Johannes Vetter of Germany having the best throw of 91.20m. Langton Burnell was 24th out of 31 in the event.

The 24 year old from Palmerston North, but based in Hamilton, said it was good fun and he had a good time.

"I absolutely loved it - fantastic crowd, fantastic venue it was a lot of fun and I cant wait for future championships.

"I didnt quite connect the 76 metre throw how I was wanting to, but it was good to get out and experience that in my first championships.

"The technical model didnt quite hold and I have things to work on which is good. My left leg wasnt holding so I was collapsing my block and it was hard to put power into the javelin," said Langton Burnell.

He is off to the World University Games in two weeks-time and then hell aim for the Commonwealth Games.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Athletics New Zealand