England's Sophie Hitchon to use bronze as 'stepping stone'

England's Sophie Hitchon has said that she will use her podium finish at the Commonwealth Games as a "stepping stone" to greater success in future competitions.

The 23-year-old took bronze in the women's hammer throw on the second day of athletics action at Glasgow's Hampden Park, sealing her fate in the final throw with a distance of 68.72m to finish just behind New Zealand's Julia Ratcliffe on 69.96m.

Reflecting on her performance, Hitchon told reporters: "I started off okay in the first [throw] and then kind of lost it a little bit. The last one I got it back together again and it wasn't quite good enough for a silver medal but I think it will be a good stepping stone onto the next competition."

Hitchon, who has previously won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games, said that she is "really happy" with her medal, but added: "I'm very critical of myself and I always want more. It just wasn't quite good enough for me today."

Next up for Hitchon is a trip to the European Championships in Zurich next month.