It’s been a long time since the Isle of Man produced a top male shot putter, the island’s only men’s shot medal at the Island Games dates all the way back to 1985, when multi‑eventer Alf Oddie struck bronze. But that drought may not last much longer.
Manx Harriers thrower Taylor Kneen, now competing in the new U16 age group, has opened his season in exceptional form.
He cleared 11 metres in the first round of the Isle of Man League, a throw so big it reportedly caused issues for officials when the tape measure ran out.
Kneen backed that up in style at the Lancashire Championships in Blackpool, taking gold with a superb 11.33m effort, underlining his status as one of the island’s most exciting young throwers.
He’s not just a powerhouse, either. Taylor is also emerging as a talented sprinter, producing strong performances across 100m, 200m and 300m over the weekend.