GOLDIE Sayers strapped herself up for her final event of the season, the Norwich Union International in Birmingham, at the weekend, and threw an impressive 58.10 to finish third. The event was contested between three super powers of the athletics world, U

GOLDIE Sayers strapped herself up for her final event of the season, the Norwich Union International in Birmingham, at the weekend, and threw an impressive 58.10 to finish third.

The event was contested between three super powers of the athletics world, USA, Russia, and Great Britain, as well as the up-and-coming China.

Britain finished in third place overall on 269 points, with Russia winning on 349, USA second on 312.5 and China finishing fourth on 158.5 points.

The Ely-based javelin thrower was surprised with her performance as she went into the competition nursing an injury to her adductor muscle in her groin that she picked up at the European Championships last weekend.

She said: "It was pleasing to see that I could throw so well while injured, and this gives me confidence for next year."

The former King's School student will begin her training on September 11, after she returns from holiday, for what will be a very big season next year. Sayers will travel to Japan for the World Championships in August and September and will also be preparing herself for the Olympic Games in 2008.

She said: "I will be doing a lot more strength work in training to build myself up and make sure that I'm not so badly affected by injuries as I was this season."

It has been a frustrating season for Sayers and, because of injury and illness, she has been unable to continue her progress of throwing a personal best every year. Despite this, she still managed to reach the final of the European Championships last weekend, and win her fourth successive Amateur Athletic Association title in July.