RISING HAMMER THROW star Nicola Tuthill finished ninth on her debut in the women’s final at the European Championships in Rome.

The 20-year-old was one place away from another three throws after a best effort of 69.09 metres in her opening efforts.

The Bandon native admitted she was too tense for her first throw – 66.85m – and suffered again as she tried to break 70 with her final effort of 66.29m.

‘For my first senior championships, I can’t ask for much more’ – Nicola Tuthill on a fantastic European Championships debut, placing ninth in the women's hammer throw final#Roma2024
📺 Watch on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/eEwlrj7W38

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 10, 2024

“I was pretty close to coming eighth,” she told RTÉ.

“I would have loved to get closer to 70 but for my first senior international I can’t ask for much more.

“I would have liked it if it (her first throw) was a bit further, similar to yesterday I was just a bit tense. If I was a bit more relaxed it would have run a little. The second one was further and I was really pushing for that third one. I just pushed that bit too much and tensed up again. It just didn’t go as far.

“I wouldn’t be here without my coaches, my family are so supportive, Athletics Ireland, the Jerry Kiernan Foundation. There are so many people backing me and it’s so nice to perform close to my best.

“It’s back home and back to training now, the nationals are at the end of the month.”