Success for young Bishopdale athlete | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Kelsey Berryman dreams of being an Olympic athlete ? and made a head start after successfully competing at the South Island Colgate Games in Timaru last weekend. The Bishopdale 12-year-old, who belongs to the Christchurch Avon Athletic Club, competed in six different track and field events in the grade 12 section of the competition.

Out of her four individual events ? 70m hurdles, 100m sprint, high jump and long jump ? Berryman was first in all of them bar one, long jump, where she was second.

She was also part of the club's two relay teams, which won its events.

"It was quite a huge challenge," said Berryman, who is starting this year at Papanui High School in Year 9.

Berryman started athletics three years ago when her parents watched her compete in her school athletics.

"It was through primary school and school events, my parents saw how I good I was at it," she said.

She then joined the athletics club where she was able to train and develop her natural talent, preparing her for various competitions such as the Colgate Games.

Berryman trains just once a week with her club, but has started doing gymnastics to improve her agility.

"It's for high jump, helping with backwards flips, jumps and high knees," she said. Her older sister, Aleisha, is a gymnast and helped her become involved.

Berryman also plays touch at Shelden Park, in Belfast. Her family has been very supportive and proud of her success.

"Mum's gone most places and Dad's out there as well," she said. She doesn't have a major inspiration for athletics but she says she is self-motivated and just loves running.

"It's heaps of fun and you do well and it keeps you fit," she said.

Although confident out on the field, Berryman admitted being "a bit nervous" about starting secondary school this year.

"Just because it's a new school. I'm splitting up with my friends, but I should make new friends," she said. New friends, and new competition in athletics. But with the recent results and determination of this speedster, there's no doubt she is on the runway to victory.