Megan Campbell has always had a secret weapon — a remarkably long throw-in that has stunned opponents since her youth. Now, the 31-year-old London City Lionesses defender has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to break the 35-metre barrier in a football throw-in, setting a Guinness World Record with a staggering distance of 37.55 metres.
Her incredible feat, achieved on April 30 at the Lionesses’ training ground in Aylesford, Kent, surpasses not only the previous standard but also the length of a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. To put it in perspective, Campbell’s throw was more than 10 metres longer than the average 24-metre whale and nearly twice the length of a standard bowling alley.
A mannequin placed at the 35-metre mark served as her target during the attempt, but Megan went beyond it with ease, officially setting a record that is not just physical but symbolic. “It’s an amazing achievement for me personally to have that now, as the first ever,” she told Guinness World Records. “But ultimately, you want someone to beat you… because that means I’ve put another player in a better place.”
Campbell attributes her extraordinary ability to her hypermobility — a condition that allows her joints an extended range of motion, which she believes gives her a natural edge. “I never specifically worked on it, but it’s something nice to have in the back pocket when needed,” she said.
That edge became evident when she was just 12 or 13 years old, out-throwing the boys on her team back home in Ireland. Now, her throws are not only tactical assets for her team but also a symbol of possibility in women’s sport.
Known for her humility and team spirit, Campbell laughed while acknowledging her record might not stand long. “I think my record might stand for about a week until someone gets hold of the information,” she joked.
Beyond the pitch, Megan is an advocate for progress in women’s football and believes the sport is reaching new heights. “I think female football at the moment is on the rise. It’s an upwards trajectory and I don’t think there’s a ceiling,” she said. “From when I was a kid to now, the game has changed dramatically.” Her own club, London City Lionesses, is on the verge of history as well — set to become the first independent women’s club, not affiliated with a men’s team, to join the Women’s Super League next season.
Campbell’s journey began as a young fan, attending matches with her father and great uncle. Today, she’s not just a record-holder but a role model. Her message is clear and empowering: “Anything is achievable in life, no matter what it is. If you have a goal and you have a mindset to want to go out and achieve that, then it’s possible.” In breaking records, Megan Campbell isn’t just pushing boundaries — she’s helping to redefine them for the next generation.
