Hitchon's parents trained in athletics, and her grandfather was a field official. A coach suggested she try hammer throw because her local club lacked participants in that event. She initially engaged in various events like shot put and sprints to earn points for her club.

Club and Coaching

Hitchon represents Blackburn Harriers and Athletic Club in England. Since 2013, she has been coached by Tore Gustafsson from Sweden. Under his guidance, she has honed her skills and achieved remarkable milestones.

Olympic Success

One of Hitchon's most memorable achievements is winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This victory made her the first female athlete from Great Britain to win a medal in the hammer throw at the Olympics.

Challenges and Recovery

In 2019, Hitchon underwent an emergency appendectomy and spent the off-season recovering. Despite this setback, she continued to train and prepare for future competitions.

New Techniques and Future Plans

In 2018, Hitchon adopted a new throwing technique, switching from a toe turn to a twisted heel. Although this change led to challenges at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, she believed it had more potential for better results. She planned to use this technique at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Ballet Background

Before focusing on athletics, Hitchon was a ballerina from age two to 14. She believes her ballet background has helped her with coordination, stability, and agility in hammer throw. The confidence gained from stage performances also aids her during competitions.

Personal Life

Sophie Hitchon is married to Damien Grulick. She pursued higher education in Business and Sport Management at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, England. Fluent in English, she balances her personal life with her athletic career.

Ambitions

Looking ahead, Hitchon aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games and other major international events. Her dedication and continuous efforts reflect her commitment to achieving greater heights in her sport.

Sophie Hitchon's journey from ballet to becoming an Olympic medallist showcases her versatility and determination. With continued support from her coach and family, she remains a prominent figure in athletics.