Manning now running on American turf

FLYING: Holly Manning racing in the Wolfie Invitational race on the Stony Brook cross country course in Stony Brook, New York. Photo/Frank Fumelli. ​

After leaving her hometown to pursue a career in running, Napier Girls' High School athletic star Holly Manning is one step closer to achieving her ultimate goal of being an Olympian.

Ms Manning's talent for middle distance running was acknowledged in 2015 when New York's Stony Brook University offered her a $50,000 scholarship to study in the United States.

She is now completing a four year health science major at the American university.

Ms Manning said she's taking the opportunity to study and train in the US in her stride.

"Everything I do in a day should be benefiting my running, whether it's eating well or getting enough sleep. It would be a shame to waste this scholarship and that's obviously not what I'm here to do," she said.

Currently living in a Stony Brook University residence, Ms Manning said her day-to-day life is very structured, with the combination of studies and training leaving her with little spare time.

On an average day Ms Manning has a warm-up routine, 45 minute training run, core work, shower and an ice bath to complete, all before she starts classes for the day.

"We get out of training at around 12.30pm and then I have lunch before my classes start at 2.30pm. Classes normally go till 7pm-10pm and I do homework afterwards for a few hours so they're long days," she said.

The past year of running has had its ups and downs for Ms Manning, who said she had a fun indoor season but then badly sprained her ankle; putting her out for the entire outdoor season.

She ran her first 1000m race of the indoor season before Christmas in a "blow out the cobwebs" race in which she stopped the clock at 3.04.

"It was a slow and tactical race in a low key event. It really just gives athletes an idea of what they can improve on over the break."

The year before she ran 2.52 for 1000m.

Ms Manning enjoyed being home for Christmas and spending time with family but was now back in the States in the swing of another busy year.