Butterfield sets new world record to win gold at IPC European Championships

Doncaster-born Jo Butterfield smashed a world record on her way to winning gold at the IPC European Championships in Italy.
Jo ButterfieldJo Butterfield
Jo Butterfield

Butterfield, who hails from Woodlands but is now based in Scotland, successfully defended her Club Throw title in the F31/32/51 category with a throw of 22.75m - adding 85cm to the previous official mark.

She only took up the sport in 2013. In 2011 she was diagnosed with a tumour on her spinal cord which resulted in her being paralysed below the waist.

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After claiming the world title in Doha last year, Butterfield came into the championships as the favourite within the mixed classification event and confirmed European gold with a remarkable series.

Her first four throws all exceeded the previous world record mark with bests of 22.18m, 22.39m, 22.25m and 22.75m.

“I am absolutely over the moon – it has been a really long week,” said Jo, who is on course to star at this year’s Paralympics in Brazil.

“I’ve been watching everyone compete and it has been a long wait to get out there. I was getting a bit more nervous each day because I just wanted to get out there and perform how I knew I could do.

“I have been throwing really well in training and this is the best shape I have ever been in so I am just so happy to do it. To be double European champion is so special.’