A DECISION by Kent athlete Karim Chester to develop his hammer throwing in America has paid immediate dividends.

The 19-year-old, from Barnfield Road, Faversham, who is studying political science at Northern Arizona University, has already added an incredible nine metres to his personal best with a throw of 62.48m.

Chester’s effort during an outdoor meeting moved him up to 12th on the UK senior rankings for the year.

And, because the throw came during his last month as a junior, it made him number one for that age group in the UK and put him 10th on the under-20 all-time list.

Chester, who had never previously thrown more than 63 metres with the lighter junior hammer, said: “I am very pleased because I have achieved so much already in such a short space of time.”

The Blackheath & Bromley athlete went out to America in August with a personal best of 53:40 for the senior hammer.

But since joining the university he has started again from scratch with his technique and made it more flowing.

The former pupil at Faversham's Queen Elizabeth School has also been showing good form on the winter indoor circuit and is the leading fresher in America for the weight throwing event.

Chester, an ex-member of Invicta East Kent, has quickly settled into his new surroundings and has been impressed by the professional set-up at the university.

He now gets to throw every day and is hopeful of further success this year.

He said: “The university life is very enjoyable because I am getting good grades and excelling in my sport, while at the same time having a good time.

“The athletics out here is of a very high standard, with top-class sprinters, jumpers and throwers all over the USA to compete against.

“When we begin the proper outdoor track and field season in March, I am looking to win the regionals and get a top five placing at the American nationals, which is rarely achieved by a freshman at university.”

Chester is also targeting success on home soil and is planning to enter the AAA under-23 championships in Bedford at the end of June and wants to finish in the top five at the senior AAAs in Manchester in July.

He received a further boost on Monday when the Ron Pickering Memorial Trust awarded him a £250 grant towards buying senior hammer equipment and to go towards his expenses.