Republic of Ireland and London City Lionesses defender Megan Campbell has set a Guinness World Record for the longest throw-in recorded by a woman.
Campbell, 31, recorded a throw of 37.55m (123 ft 2 in) at London City Lionesses’ training ground on April 30. She became the first woman to achieve the record, and had to surpass 35m to clinch the feat.
“I think my record might stand for about a week until someone gets hold of the information,” Campbell joked to Guinness World Records.
The defender has previously played for Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton, and has won 50 caps for her country.
Campbell’s throw-in received widespread recognition during England’s 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in April 2024, as she repeatedly troubled the defence of Sarina Wiegman’s side with long throws into the penalty box. Television coverage on UK broadcaster ITV approximated her throws reached 38m during the match. Pundit and former England international Karen Carney said at the time: “I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it from Megan Campbell. It’s unbelievable and it caused problems.”
In order to set the record, Campbell was set the challenge to either hit or surpass a mannequin which was placed 35m away from her. She said it is now “no secret” to her opposition that she possesses the attribute, and credited her hypermobility, which gives extra flexibility and a greater range of motion in her joints.
“My throw developed when I was maybe about 12 or 13, I was playing for a boys’ team back home and my throw was longer than the boys,” she added.
“As I grew up, it got longer, it’s just something I’ve always had, I never specifically worked on it, but it’s something nice to have in the back pocket when needed.”
Campbell’s London City secured promotion to the Women’s Super League last week. Owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, London City will be the first fully independent club, not associated with a men’s team, to play in the top-flight of women’s soccer in England.
(Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
