Ben Hawkes has been on the Sussex Athletics scene since he was an Under 11 competing for Worthing District Harriers. In 2019, as an Under 20, he was ranked number one in the country for hammer and 11th in Europe. Kate Matthews caught up with the aspirational thrower to chat about his background in the sport, training and see how is dealing with changes following isolation and Coronavirus.
Kate: Who are you?
Ben: I'm 19, from Worthing but at University at Cardiff Met, where I compete for Cardiff AAC higher claim under the coaching of Adrian Palmer. Adrian is in regular contact with my Worthing District Harrier based coach Eric Davison who has coached me since I started out in the sport.
Kate: What are your favourite distances/disciplines?
Ben: Hammer, but I'm obviously biased. Pole Vault's cool, men's Shot is crazy at the moment and 400s are mind boggling, so yeah - I'd say they're my favourites.
Kate: What do you love/hate about the sport?
Ben: Some of the things I love and hate about Track and Field are the same thing. How cutthroat it is, making teams or winning medals. This works both ways depending on which side you come out on. Of course, on top of this the ability to travel and meet new people is so unique and I'm fortunate to have that in my life.
Kate: What has kept you in it?
Ben: I've never had any breaks from it, never had to really try to stay in the sport. I love it, and my family are really supportive so that's never been an issue really. They helped me get through some tough times, like when I missed out on qualification for World Juniors 2018 or when World Youths 2017 was cancelled with Commonwealth youths the same year not including Hammer. That was pretty rough at the time.
Kate: How often do you train (in normal times)? 
Ben: When I'm at Uni I'm fortunate enough to be a part of (in my opinion) one of the best throwing training groups in the country. We train 5 or 6 days a week - Usually 4 throwing sessions, 3 lifting sessions and a plyometrics session. Our lifting sessions are taken by Seb Moran who's been a huge help in my physical development this year.
Kate: Have you had any bad injuries and how did you deal with these?
Ben: With regards to injuries I have a few niggles that bother me from time to time, but my physio Adam Rattenberry is a wizard at keeping me healthy.
Kate: Other than actual achievements/PBs, what has athletics brought to your life?
Ben: Being a part of athletics has brought a huge number of good friends into my life, from all around the country and in future (hopefully) all around the world.
Kate: Best athletics memory?
Ben: The best memories I've got from athletics has got to be European Juniors last year.
Kate: Weirdest athletics memory?
Ben: Ha Ha, there's been a few weird and funny moments - but they're probably better left unsaid.
Kate: What would you say to younger people wanting to get started?
Ben: My advice to younger guys and girls would be just do it, get experience in whatever events you can. Learn how to compete well, too.
Kate: What would you change about the sport?
Ben: If I could change the sport, I'd put more money into it! Grassroots to elite. Invest in athletes, coaches, support teams.
Kate: How do you juggle training/competitions around uni?
Ben: I manage uni, training and work and a social life by just prioritising what's important. Make time for things and people you care about.
Kate: Favourite athlete (past or present)?
Ben: Favourite athlete is a tricky one - there's so many! Werner Gunthor is a big one, of course Sedykh and Litvinov. From this country, Nick Miller, and then probably my training group.
Kate: Any other favourites i.e. food, music?
Ben: I'm not that much of a food critic, I just eat as much as I can really! Music I'm big in to though, I like bands like The Amazons, Black Pumas, Blossoms, and guys like Loyle Carner.
Kate: How are you managing to keep fit/train during Corona?
Ben: During the lockdown I'm pretty lucky to have a barbell and some weights, but you can find so many ways to get load through the body and continue to develop physical qualities with just your bodyweight it shouldn't hinder your progress too much if you don't have much equipment.