Rugby man Craig ready to throw the hammer down at Commonwealth Games - The Rugby Observer

Rugby man Craig ready to throw the hammer down at Commonwealth Games

Rugby Editorial 5th Aug, 2022   0

IT’S HAMMER time for an athlete who honed his talent while growing up in Rugby, as he prepares for the ‘pinnacle of his career’ at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

Craig Murch will take centre stage at the games on Saturday (August 6) to compete in the Men’s Hammer Throw.

The 29-year-old’s sporting journey began in Rugby.

The former pupil of Rokeby, Ashlawn and Lawrence Sheriff Schools said: “I represented Rugby and Northampton Athletics Club since I was very young, doing all four throws and pole vault.




“I used to be a javelin thrower but picked up an elbow injury, so made the switch to hammer – helped by local coach Chris Murray.

“I was gratefully made a lifetime member of Rugby and Northampton Athletics Club this year, and they have always supported me throughout my athletics career.”


The company director, who moved to Gloucester five years ago, says he can fit his training around his career ‘and still live a relatively normal life’.

Craig, who was crowned British champion in 2020, will be familiar with his surroundings on Saturday as Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium is the home of his first-claim club, Birchfield Harriers.

But, although he has represented England and Great Britain before, this will be his first major championships.

He said: “This is easily the pinnacle of my career so far. To represent England in the UK at my local club will be quite an experience. It’s always special to represent my country, and I cant wait to put on the brand new kit come Saturday morning.

“I’m feeling excited – I’m looking forward to stepping out in front the crowd, and to make the most of the experience by taking it all in as much as possible.”

He says his family back home in Rugby – mum Debbie, dad Kevin and sister Kerry – are proud of his achievements, and will be in the stadium cheering for him on Saturday.

“They know how hard I have worked, alongside a full time job, for many many years,” he said.

“I hope I do my family, coaches, friends and everyone who has supported me over the years proud.

“The most important thing for me is to enjoy it. It could be the only chance I get to represent on the world stage. Who knows what’s around the corner?”

Craig is being funded by the GLL Sport Foundation, the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme which is designed to give young talented athletes a range of funding, access to sports facilities and athlete support services.

Peter Bundey, GSF Chair, paid tribute to the GSF athlete award holders heading to Birmingham, saying: “We are proud to be supporting so many talented athletes, including Craig Murch, who will be competing for their countries in the Commonwealth Games.

“They exemplify the very best of our communities and embody the spirit of our social enterprise philosophy and I wish them the very best of luck.”

The Men’s Hammer Throw Final is scheduled to take place at around 11.45am on Saturday (August 6), with live coverage on the BBC and BBC iPlayer.

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