Hollie hits heights to smash UK high-jump record

A teenager from Shrewsbury Athletics Club has smashed the long-standing national high jump record at the Aviva UK Sportshall final.

13-year-old Hollie Williamson cleared 1m 62cm, a height almost as high as herself – and one no other UK teenager has ever cleared.

And she did all of that under the watchful eye of Robbie Grabarz, the UK's No.1 male high jumper.

Williamson said: "When I broke the record and Robbie came over, I nearly started crying I was so happy!"

"I love athletics, it is the best thing that has ever happened to me!

"It has given me the opportunity to make friendships that will last a lifetime and to meet my idols."

Williamson was invited to compete in the finals as a result of her performance at the West Midlands Regional event in February.

She will be competing for the first time, later in the year, in the Shropshire Schools Combined Events Championships and her coach Arnie Wray is confident she has real potential as an athlete.

"Hollie is one of the most naturally gifted athletes I have worked with" said Wray.

"But natural talent is never enough. I have seen so many gifted young athletes lose their way because their attitude is wrong.

"Hollie, though, is one of those rare individuals who loves training, listens carefully and has the ability to learn new skills quickly.

"She is also really friendly and gets on with everybody.

"With careful nurturing, I am sure she has a great future in athletics."

The UK National final took place at the NEC Arena in Birmingham and it was a successful day for the Shropshire athletes.

Adele Nichol, the former Oswestry Olympian, also broke the UK Sportshall under-15 girls shot putt record.