What began as a grassroots hammer throw meet has grown into one of the discipline’s most vibrant communities, helping athletes thrive while changing perceptions of the event. writes Jack Henderson.
Described as a “Cinderella event in the world of athletics” a Reporting by Marnie McEnteeBlack Country Hammerfest is rapidly changing the history of hammer throwing.
Founded in 2023 by Matt Sutton, BCHF’s mission was simple. To create an exciting, safe, inclusive environment for grassroots throwers. Three years later, this grand prix series has now eclipsed many other hammer events in terms of active and consistent engagement.
Many of the distances covered in these events have been quite frankly astounding. Some of the athletes involved have even gone on to become national champions or European junior finalists with Matt’s support.
Notable names associated with the Hammers include Jabez Berry, who finished fourth at the European Under-20 Championship last year, as well as Ethan Kendrick, who recently moved up from sixth to third in the Under-20 group.
As impressive as the high-profile accomplishments are, they’re not what Matt is most proud of. It’s the supportive and enthusiastic community that has formed around BCHF that has left him on cloud nine.
“It’s really my reward for doing this,” Matt explains to the team at Neuff Athletic, which currently serves as one of the main sponsors of the event.
“Just to see something grow from bare bones to this extent is far beyond my expectations. I would definitely say that the community and the support that has rallied around him and the desire to participate this year also reflects that.”
Initially on their toes, these events began with an uncertain future ahead. However, after a short period of trial and error, the distinctive nature of each event ultimately convinced athletes and parents to keep coming back for more.
“I play a lot of rock music during meetings, but I also put on a playlist on request. It’s not your average open meeting. I remember the first one. Everyone was kind of staring off into space and wondering, what the hell is this?
“I think it was a bit of a shock to the system for a lot of people. But I think over time, fortunately, they kept coming back. I didn’t scare them. And the feedback I’m getting is great.”
Interestingly, Matt also claims that the Black Country Hammerfest attracted many introverts to the sport, which in turn provided essential confidence for athletes involved with the community.
Alfie Rushton, a 14-year-old athlete from Stoke City, has been a familiar face on the BCHF scene from the start and is a prime example of how the Grand Prix can transform the lives of budding throwers in more ways than one.
“My confidence has grown by having such great coaches supporting me,” Alfin Neufi said. “At BCHF events, I can relax more and go PB properly without worrying too much. Three contests spread over a contest season is amazing.”
Commending “really supportive and friendly” The atmosphere in the Black Country Hammerfest community, particularly Alfie’s development, has shone through for the avid audience with the series, especially given the gold medal he comfortably claimed at last year’s Birmingham English Schools.
A champion of positive awareness around his XYY syndrome diagnosis, Alfie is also on track to win back-to-back awards at this year’s English Schools, thanks largely to the support Matt and head coach Steve Pearson have given the rising star.
“In most competitions, I throw the 4kg hammer in the under-16 category. However, Hammer Fest allowed me to compete in the Under 17s 5kg so I could try to get to the English schools standard early.
“I needed to throw 49m to get the standard and with the support I got I was able to throw 55m. It’s taken a lot of pressure off me for Inter Districts and the Mason Trophy and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
Alongside the athletes, there are also many officials who help make the BCHF a household name among British hammer throwers, including Fiona Hancock, who in Matt’s eyes has been a “fantastic” source of support throughout the process.
“Without officials, it’s just not possible,” explained Matt Neuf. “They understand the mission. They are the lifeblood of the sport.”
This sentiment is usually echoed by those who have attended BCHF meets in the past, who see the officials as the unsung heroes of athletics.
“They bring something extra to the party. That supportive comment. That slap on the back. Whether these athletes are still hitting 20 or 30 years from now, they will remember those positive experiences.”
Quickly gaining a solid footing thanks to his supporters and sponsors, it’s becoming increasingly easy for Matt to infuse the electric energy of BCHF into any event he seeks to organize.
Whether it’s the delicious Jamaican food on offer, the traditional awe-inspiring crowd or the distinctive rock music that keeps the athletes on their toes, Black Country Hammerfest has become a safe space that not only optimizes performance but breathes new life into the sport.
“It would be fantastic to produce an Olympian one day and get a shameless BBC channel. And you know what… It’s not that unrealistic for some guys that we’re starting to produce.
“I think we’ll start in 2027 and see what we do and reassess the landscape, but I love the concept the way it is and I’m very reluctant to change it.”
This feature was created by Neuff Athletic, the UK’s oldest supplier of athletic equipment and a proud sponsor of Black Country Hammerfest.
You can check out the entire Neuff hammer throw range by clicking here.
