Southend schoolgirl Somma Power is on the slippery slopes to top athletics glory - after dashing back from a skiing holiday to earn a medal in a major championship.

Somma, of Basildon Athletic Club, travelled overnight on her return from a ski holiday with Southend High School for Girls and dashed straight to Birmingham to compete in the national under-20 indoor championships in the shot putt.

Despite not being the ideal preparation, Somma launched a putt of 11.30 to finish in bronze medal position. Her national ranking in the under-20 age group moved to number one.

Power girl - shot-putter Somma Power

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