When the world record holder says someone has the potential to be an Olympic medallist - you know he doesn't say it lightly.

But that is just what the world's best, Russian Yuri Sedykh, said when he saw Heybridge's Liz Pidgeon in action. Nothing unusual in that.

What was unusual was the fact that Liz's chosen sport is the hammer throw.

In this summer's biggest sporting event, the Sydney Olympics, she will be hoping she can emulate her mentor's words.

The fact that 22-year-old Liz is only 5ft 3in and in no way resembles your average east European woman field athlete, and that she hardly matches up to people's expectations of what a top hammer thrower looks like, should make her stand out when she steps into that throwing circle.

Liz has just returned from the United States where she graduated in December with a degree in Sports Psychology and is now working part-time and continuing her training for the Sydney Olympics.

She travels to London twice a week to be coached by Ron Bowden and also receives additional help from Bill Bushnell of Braintree Athletic Club.

Liz represents Woodford Green Athletic Club and Essex Ladies and has already appeared in a Great Britiain shirt when she was part of the Under 23 team that competed in the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Liz only took up the hammer four years ago and is already only the fourth British woman to throw over 60 metres, a feat which ranks her fourth best in the all-time women's list.

And her improvement each year puts her well on course to reach the Olympic standard of 63 metres, a distance she hopes to attain before she competes in the British Olympic trials at the AAA's in August.

Liz said: "The hammer throw is one of the oldest recorded events but it has only been competitive for women in the last few years.

"This year's Olympics will be the first games to stage the hammer, pole vault and triple jump for women, which makes the event new and exciting.

"You also don't have to be incredibly strong or huge to throw a long way. It is a speed event, in which you need good technique and skill.

"I want to be one of the people who push those limits out further and further."

Liz is not receiving any financial aid from the Sports Council, at a time when she needs sponsorship more than ever.

If anyone feels like helping Liz or would like further information, she can be contacted through This Is Essex partner paper the Gazette on 01206 508283

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