Discus wondergirl Claire Smithson thanks the bullies for providing her with the chance to travel abroad and make her mark in sport.

The 17-year-old from Portslade, who also throws the shot, recalls how six years ago bullies would make fun of her size.

She said: "I was not a particularly good runner and some of the other children would say unpleasant things. I'm a sensitive person, even more so when I was younger, and it upset me very much.

"But a coach at Brighton and Hove, Frank Burton, suggested I stick with it and have a go at throwing the discus."

Claire took to it like a fish to water and broke a number of club records at a low-key meeting at Withdean. Since then she hasn't looked back and has been all around the world to compete in top junior events.

The Bhasvic student, who is currently sitting her A-Levels, has been to France, Latvia, Germany, Poland, America and Chile. Before that Claire had hardly ever left Brighton.

She admitted: "I would never have flown anywhere had it not been for those bullies. Our family cannot afford expensive holidays but throwing the discus has allowed me to see places that many people can only dream about."

Claire competed in the World Junior Championships in Chile last summer after spending a week in Florida training.

She also took part in the World Youth Championships in Poland the year before. Those two events were big experiences for the teenager.

"Poland and Chile are not as advanced as Britain," said Claire. "I could see that people were much poorer and it makes you think a bit before complaining about Brighton.

"Sometimes we don't know how lucky we are. Britain is a better country than many others and you don't have to worry so much while walking around the streets that your wallet is going to be stolen.

"When we were in Chile, our hotel got raided a couple of times. It's a real eye-opener."

Despite those experiences in South America, Claire finished eighth in the discus, the first-ever British athlete to achieve a final placing in that event. In Poland, she finished a creditable fifth.

Claire is the best in the country for her age. For the past five years, she has won the discus four times at the Amateur Athletic Championships. Her only blip was in 1998 when she finished second.

Nine days ago, at the England Under-20 Championship at Watford, Claire threw 52.80m, the furthest distance ever recorded by a 17-year-old girl. That monster effort has already qualified her for the European Under-20 Championships in Italy in July.

Claire is well motivated and all the while she continues to reach goals will resist the temptation to dilute her dedication to the sport.

She said: "Each year I set goals and it's a buzz when they are achieved. I have to work hard and train five days a week, once in London, but when you see the results you know it's worthwhile "Goals would start from being the top in Brighton and Hove, then Sussex, then South of England, then the country, then Europe and ultimately the world.

"Of course, I want to be the best in the world. Anyone in sport strives for that, but I just stick to achieving goals each year."

Equipment and travelling is expensive and Claire is indebted to Legal and General for helping with sponsorship: "Without them, things could be difficult."

Claire is taking a year out from education after her exams to dedicate more time to preparing for next summer's World Junior Championships in Jamaica.

It is her last season as a junior and she is determined to bow out in style.

Claire celebrates her 18th birthday in August. With the European Junior Championship behind her then, Claire is every bit determined to enjoy it in style too. And why not. After another summer of hard graft, she will deserve it.