Hammer thrower and SportsAid beneficiary Katy Head on why family is the secret to her success

Athletes often take centre stage when they achieve success, basking in well-deserved glory. But behind many triumphant athletes is an unseen but crucial force – family.

The journey to sporting greatness is not just about individual talent or dedication; it’s often shaped and supported by family members who walk the emotional and practical path with them.

Meet the “Hammerheads”

Hammer throwing may not receive the same recognition or funding as the 100 metres or heptathlon, but that doesn’t diminish its competitive nature. Case in point: the Heads (a.k.a. the “Hammerheads”), a fiercely competitive British family in pursuit of hammer glory.

For Katy Head, 24, hammer throwing is more than just a sport; it’s a family tradition. Not only is she the daughter of Commonwealth medallist and Olympian Paul Head, Katy’s brother Tom also throws, and his partner does, too. This familial drive, particularly Katy’s desire to surpass her father’s record of 74.02 metres, fuels her ambition to compete at the European, Commonwealth and Olympic levels and carve out her own legacy.

Katy is a rising star in British hammer throwing and is supported by SportsAid and RBC in her quest for success. Each year, RBC awards 50 young athletes on the SportsAid talent pathway a grant of £1,000 each, to help cover the costs of travel, accommodation and equipment – crucial resources for athletes on their journey to the top. But there’s one pillar of support that can’t be replaced, and that’s family.

The role of family in sporting success

The road to becoming an elite athlete is riddled with challenges, for both the athlete and their family. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, and handling setbacks becomes just as crucial as celebrating wins.

For Katy’s mother Sarah, the key to supporting her daughter lies in knowing when to offer comfort and when to take a step back. “There are fine boundaries,” she says. “Whether it’s giving her space or offering a shoulder to cry on, being family helps us understand when to step in and help.”

Balancing a high-performance career with family life can be tricky. With demanding training schedules and frequent competitions, meaningful time with loved ones can become scarce. However, Sarah insists on creating pockets of normalcy. “We always make sure we dine together in the evening. It’s one way to ensure we spend time together amid all the chaos.”

Behind-the-scenes support

In addition to the emotional highs and lows, the financial and logistical challenges of competing are immense. Travelling for competitions and training often presents a major financial hurdle, one that can force some athletes to abandon their dreams.

This is where the support of family as well as organisations like SportsAid and RBC becomes indispensable. For Katy, this support has been a lifeline. “If I’m to reach the top and improve my ranking, I need to train and compete regularly,” she explains. “That means a lot of travel, especially for higher-level competitions across Europe, and [the expenses] add up quickly.”

In a sport like hammer throwing, where national funding is limited, athletes often have to get creative. British champion Taylor Campbell, for example, sold his limited-edition Tokyo 2020 phone to fund his trip to the Olympics.

But travel isn’t the only expense. Not only does Katy tap into financial support to attend key competitions, she also uses it to purchase essential equipment. “A good hammer can cost upwards of £1,000,” she notes, highlighting the hidden costs of pursuing her passion. And then there’s the diet – a significant factor in any athlete’s success. Hammer throwers need power on their side, which means a high-protein diet and a regular intake of vitamins and supplements. This can result in a serious shopping bill – and further underscores the financial pressure that competing can have on athletes and their families.

SportsAid, with the support of partners like RBC, runs workshops for both athletes and their parents, on everything from managing nutrition and diet to how to balance their sporting careers – in whichever sport they specialise – with their personal lives. This helps the athletes and their support network recognise and appreciate the diverse range of skills needed to become a high performer, while also providing a platform to interact with and learn from others in a similar position.

The benefit of family foresight

Beyond offering financial and emotional support, families often play a critical role in helping young athletes stay grounded and maintain a long-term vision.

Katy recognises that hammer throwing may not lead to a sustainable full-time career, so with guidance from her family, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Brunel University, in London, and is now pursuing a master’s in Social Science Research at Loughborough University, in Leicestershire. This dual focus enables her to combine her passion for sport with her pursuit of a future career in the broader sporting world.

Tim Lawler, CEO of SportsAid, emphasises the importance of athletes like Katy staying involved in sport. “We need people who are passionate about their chosen discipline to stay in sport,” he says. “It helps drive the sport forward and inspires the next generation.”

The road to glory

The path to sporting success is rarely a solo journey. For athletes such as Katy, family plays an integral role in shaping their careers. From dealing with disappointments to navigating the financial challenges of competing in underfunded disciplines, loved ones often provide a reliable foundation that keeps athletes moving forward.

As Katy continues her pursuit of hammer-throwing glory, her family’s unwavering support highlights an essential truth: in sport, success is a shared victory, not just for the athlete but for everyone who helps them along the way.

For Sarah, the reward for all the effort and assistance goes beyond seeing her daughter perform well in competitions. “Watching her progress and contend seriously at events is one thing,” she says, “but it’s the pride and joy on her face when she succeeds that’s the most fulfilling part.”