California the next big step for Tamsin

Stratford athlete Tamsin Burt has been chosen to represent the New Zealand Running Academy in California this April.

Tamsin, who has been involved in running and athletics since she was three, was chosen by scouts who attended the NZ Secondary Schools Athletics Championships.

"I was so excited," Tamsin says. "This will be the first time I will be running with the academy."

Tamsin, who competes for the Egmont Athletics club, has gained various athletics awards, including taking home placings at the Taranaki Secondary Schools Athletics, first place at the Taranaki Secondary Schools Triathalon, Taranaki Secondary Schools Cross Country, Stratford High School overall girls Athletics Champion and a gold medal at last year's South Island Colgate Games.

Given this record of success it seems Tamsin's big dream to one day compete in the Olympics is well within her reach.

She has a strict training schedule, completing running training six days a week. "I don't even take off a day for Christmas or my birthday."

Tamsin, a Stratford High School student, says that competing in athletics competitions has taught her how important it is to set goals "before each meet and even in each race I like to set myself goals to push myself".

These self-motivating tactics are key in Tamsin's selection for the New Zealand Running Academy says her mother Heather Burt.

While in California, Tamsin will attend several events, many of which are invitationals at some of the most respected universities - opening up scholarship opportunities for the future.

"Being involved in athletics has opened up so many great opportunities for me, as well as meeting some pretty incredible people and making some great friends," she says.