TWO BROTHERS have launched themselves to the top of the national athletics scene with a string of outstanding performances, culminating in rousing displays at the recent England Athletics Championships.

Hammer throwers Peter and Harry Clarke both finished agonisingly just one place outside the medals in their respective age categories at the event in Bedford this summer.

Nineteen-year-old Peter, competing in the under-20 category with the 6kg hammer, recorded a season’s best of 61.21m for fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by just 24cm.

Harry, 16, meanwhile, launched the hammer 57.98m in the U17 category, which was also good enough for fourth place.

The brothers, who both represent local athletics club Woodford Green with Essex Ladies, are Essex champions in their classes.

Peter also finished as runner-up in the prestigious South of England Championships at Crystal Palace, a feat that bettered his sibling by one place, as Harry scooped bronze at the same venue this summer.