Tuthill plans to keep building after 'pretty cool' year

She may have been edged out of a place in the final, but Nicola Tuthill was positively buzzing after a fine performance in the women's hammer throw event in Paris on Sunday.

After failing to register with her first attempt - her throw catching the outside of the upright - she came back with a solid effort of 68.87m at her second go-round and then improved to an excellent 69.90m with her final throw.

It was not enough to advance - her 16th-place finish left her short of the top dozen which make the final - but the Bandon thrower was as happy as can be when she spoke to RTÉ Sport's David Gillick after her event.

"It's amazing. The stadium is so full – it’s just so loud! It’s such a good crowd," the 20-year-old said.

"I’m happy, I’m always looking for that 70[metre] and I’ve got 69.90 twice now in my last two competitions so I’m dying to break it. I’m not massively far off it, 71 made the final so I would’ve had to PB [to make it] but to be able to bring out that 69, I’m delighted.

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"I’m only 20, I was the youngest one in the field for the hammer, so to be here is amazing. The first throw didn’t go my way so I was a little bit stressed, I was like 'Oh My God, I have to get one out now!’ but to be able to pull out a 68 and then a 69, I’m so happy, yeah.

"I’ve had such a good year. I made the Olympics, which is pretty cool! I’m delighted, it’s been such a good year. Keep building, hopefully…

"I’m not finished yet, I’m going to keep working and hopefully push it out towards