It was quite a way to mark his final summer as an Under 20s athlete.

An already stellar year for Pembrokeshire Harrier James Tomlinson got even better this month when he smashed the Welsh Under 20 discus record at the Cardiff Throws Open.

Just a week before making his debut appearance at the British Championships, the 19-year-old reached a distance of 61.64 metres – past his previous personal best mark of 60.24.

The previous record of 60.46m had been held by Brett Morse since 2008 but Tomlinson’s effort comfortably surpassed his mark and not only moved him fourth in Europe this year, but also sixth on the all-time British list at Under 20 level.

And the former Pembrokeshire College student didn’t mind admitting the feat stirred his emotions.

“After chasing the record for a couple of years to finally to have done it was a rush of emotion – and it was simply made better by doing it here in Wales.

“Moments after hearing the recorded score I ran over to my mum picked her up and broke into tears because everything had finally paid off - the sacrifices you make to throw these distances is all overlooked when you finally achieve your goals.”

He will soon turn his attention to senior competition, and already has one big ambition in mind.

“Needless to say I already have my sights set on new and more exciting goals as I transition into a senior athlete, in particular the Commonwealth Games in 2022.”