Lewisham shot-putter had a summer to remember – with Paris Olympics a target

BY EDMUND BRACK

Shot put prospect Cleo Agyepong had a summer to remember.

The 17-year-old South Londoner won a gold medal at the U18 European Athletics Championships in Jerusalem, Israel.

She followed that up by competing two years above her age group to reach the finals of the U20 World Championships in Cali, Columbia.

Agyepong, born and raised in Lewisham, was named the Junior Female Athlete of the Year for 2022 by Kent County Athletics Association in October.

“It feels really rewarding,” said Agyepong. “I put a lot of time and effort in as well as making a lot of sacrifices, especially in terms of school and my social life.

“I used to feel as though I was missing out on things. But I have a sports psychologist and she said that although I’m missing out on that social aspect, I’m gaining on something else.

“I try and think of it like that now. Although I miss out on parties, I have gained a European gold medal, which is irreplaceable.

“I used to do gymnastics and dance but I have always played sports and I really enjoyed athletics.

“I never seemed to want to quit athletics. When I was 13, my mum said I should try something other than running and have a go at the shot put.

“In my first year competing in the shot put, I competed in England Schools and won gold. So I thought it was something I could possibly be good at.”

Agyepong also competes in sprinting alongside the shot put. She practices her craft on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and heads to the gym on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

It requires dedication from her but also key support from her mum Jenny.

“I feel as though athletics is a really expensive sport and it takes a big financial burden on my mum,” said Agyepong. “I feel guilty and wish I could help more.

“It costs money to be a part of a club and she had to pay to come out to Jerusalem to watch me, but she says it’s worth it because she sees the results and how much I like it.

“There is a video of her when I’m getting my medal over my neck, and she is shouting in the background. I didn’t watch it until recently, but it’s really heart-warming.”

Agyepong is balancing her recent sporting achievements with studying for her A-levels in English, biology and French and is predicted to achieve all A*s across the board.

“It’s my last year of doing my A-levels, so I won’t be doing it for much longer,” she added. “It’s been difficult, but I’m trying my best. I want to remain balanced at both, and I’m trying not to be really good at one and really bad at the other.

“To be the best version and get as many opportunities as possible, I feel as though I need to excel at both.

“I want to get offers from high-status universities, so I’m trying to balance both. It’s doable, you just need discipline.”

Although Agyepong will only be 19 when the 2024 Olympics in Paris roll around, and the 2028 games in Los Angeles is a more realistic target, she doesn’t want to rule herself out from making the 30th summer games in two years.

“My mum said never to rule myself out of the Paris Games because you never know what is going to happen,” Agyepong added.

“If I don’t get to Paris, there is another European Championships, so I can just go to that.

“If not Paris, then I hope my first Olympics is LA 2028. I’ll be 23 then. I’ll be a lot older, have more years of training under my belt, and be more mature.

“I hope I can get into the team then. It would be amazing to reach the Olympics. One of my coaches is an Olympian, Myrtle Augee, and she told me: ‘Once you’re an Olympian. and even if you don’t make it to the finals or pick up a medal, you will be an Olympian for the rest of your life’.

“I never really thought about it until she said it, so it would be amazing to be 70 years old and tell people you are an Olympian.”