SCOTT LINCOLN threw a lifetime best as he was crowned British Champion.

The City of York Athletic Club shot-putter hurled an effort of 18.54m with his final throw to beat Zane Duquemin at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Sunday.

Leading after three rounds with a throw of 17.87, it looked like Lincoln might have to settle for the minor places after his Shaftesbury-based rival threw 18.21 and Scott Rider, of Birchfield, put in 17.88.

But the last to throw in the competition, and in terrible conditions with hailstones coming down as he prepared, Lincoln produced the effort of his fledgling career so far to wrest away the title.

Coach Paul Wilson said: "We have been training together for seven years and every year there has been a progression through the age groups. He won the England Under-23 Championships a couple of weeks ago but this was the one he wanted.

"He wanted to get back to number one in the country. His target this year is to throw 19 metres and, next year, to qualify for the European Championships and the Olympics. If he keeps putting on the distance he has, he should qualify for both. That's what we are working towards."