HE MAY have missed out on a medal at the Olympics last year but East Yorkshire hammer thrower Alex Smith can now boast being a world record holder.
It may not be the accolade he has trained years for but Alex, of Cottingham, should see his name in the Guinness World Record Book for the longest space hopper throw.
Despite the windy conditions yesterday, he managed to throw the popular children's toy 17m and 2cm down by the Humber.
The successful attempt took place in the shadow of the Humber Bridge on the north bank ahead of the charity Humber Hop on June 1, which raises money for local YMCAs.
Alex, 25, said: "It wasn't a bad throw and the conditions were pretty windy. It is good to get any kind of world record and it's definitely an achievement to get in the world record books.
"It felt like throwing nothing, really, in comparison with a hammer. But during the winter training I have been throwing light stuff anyway."
Alex hoped to throw farther but he was happy with his effort.
He said: "I tried throwing it all different ways, including like a discus.
"My original aim was to throw 30m but I soon realised that was quite far.
"I would like to try again when the conditions are better and at least break the 20m barrier.
"But it was a really enjoyable event and it's all going towards raising money for charity which is good."
Alex admits he has a quiet year ahead and will now build up towards next year's Commonwealth Games.
He said: "I have the Humberside Championships today
"Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll qualify for the World Championships so I will be working hard towards the Commonwealth Games next year.
"I threw a season's best of 72m 45cm last week so that was pleasing."
The successful world record attempt yesterday is ahead of the big event which sees teams from across the region racing space hoppers across the Humber Bridge to raise money.
Teams of between four and six can take part in the event for a registration fee of just £25 per group.
The fee covers the cost of providing a space hopper and any repairs that need to be made.
The event is being held under the Community Games banner, a programme backed by the Cabinet Office and run by County Sports Partnerships and YMCAs to encourage and develop culture and sports run and supported by local communities.
YMCA Humber's communications co-ordinator Jonathan Byrne said: "We always like to put the fun into our fundraising events, whether it is sleep-outs, heavy metal carol concerts or this space hopper challenge.
"It's going to be a wonderful event for the people of East Yorkshire, but we're also excited for people to learn a bit more about the good work the YMCAs do all year round and how they can get involved."
Jenny Hodson, community games co-ordinator for Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Humber region YMCA, said: "Humber Hop started as a crazy idea at a Community Games meeting in March but now it is coming to fruition and it is very exciting."
