Samantha Lenton (2017)

Sam Lenton is throwing herself into the New Year, literally. After receiving a scholarship at the University of Memphis late last year, for her exceptional throwing talent in shot put, discus and hammer, the teenager is settling into a new, albeit cold, lifestyle.

‘It is so cold over her. The worst it got to was -14 which shuts the entirety of Memphis down. I haven’t even done any sightseeing – I think I’ll wait until it warms up a little bit.’

Sam says she’s already impressed by the University, and athletics in America.

‘They have amazing facilities! The hammer cages at the University’s warm up track rival the cages at State and National meets, and there is a brilliant support group around athletes at all times.’

But it’s not all about the throw. From tomorrow, Sam begins classes, studying Criminology, majoring in Forensic Science.

‘I’m really excited to throw classes into the mix tomorrow. It’s so diverse here in Memphis, and it’s great to be able to appreciate and learn about other cultures at the same time as studying.’