The UK’s number one shot put and Norfolk Olympian has urged young women to give the sport a try.

Sophie McKinna, of Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth, first took up the sport when her mum entered her into a competition aged 13.

She scooped second place and said it was the moment she never looked back.

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Miss McKinna also highlighted her pride in being able to have a career “built on local facilities”.

She added: “There have been some great things happen in my career but there have also been some really tough things, like injury and controversy over qualifying marks.

“Being a female shot put comes with its own stigma - it's certainly not considered a feminine sport – and while I am not discriminated, I am stereotyped by what I do.

Eastern Daily Press: Sophie McKinna during competition at World Championships in Doha Picture: PASophie McKinna during competition at World Championships in Doha Picture: PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“Men can be intimidated by that but at the same time, there are a lot of men who are supportive of female shot puts.

“I throw because I love it and that's the thing that's kept me going - the love of the sport.”