Ashford's Dwyte Smith produced a best jump of 6.74m

Ashford AC’s Dwyte Smith gained valuable international experience in tough conditions representing the Aviva GB and NI junior team in the McCain Loughborough International meeting at the weekend.

The New Romney jumper was up against top senior and under-23 opposition but the elements conspired to make the meeting a tough affair for athletes and spectators as rain and wind battered the track between sunny spells.

Smith, still an under-20 long jumper, is coached by Mike Mein and helped GB Juniors to third place in the six-team competition.

He finished the day with a best leap of 6.74m which was well down on his personal best of 7.24m, set indoors this year at Birmingham and even off his recent 7.04m which earned him the men’s silver medal at the Kent Championships in Ashford.

All the jumpers were down on their season’s bests but the 17-year old is still the top ranked under-20 long jumper in the country.