Over the past few weeks Andover AC’s talented U15 athlete, Holly Mills, has been in championship action at both Regional and National levels.

At the South of England Championships held at the iconic Crystal Palace International Stadium she won the U15 long jump title and followed this by winning the England Athletics National U15 long jump title at the UK Championships held at Bedford International Stadium.

This is the culmination of a fantastic season for Holly who has remained unbeaten in the long jump in all competitions this year. She has also achieved the triple crown of winning the England Athletics National Indoor and Outdoor titles plus the prestigious English Schools title and to make it a grand slam won both the South of England Indoor and Outdoor titles.

At the South of England Championships in blustery conditions Holly was not at the top of her game but still put together a good series of jumps, all in excess of 5.30m to win with a best jump of 5.50m.

She also took to the track in the 200m and after winning her heat was drawn in the first semi-final against the UK number two which spurred her on as she produced a fine run to finish second to qualify for the final. The final consisted of six girls ranked in the top ten and after a strong first 75m Holly was in the leading trio coming into the straight, however, her exploits in the long jump earlier in the day plus two quick earlier races took its toll and she faded in the straight to finish in a creditable fifth in 26.10secs, just 0.40secs off third.

At the UK Championships among the field of 26 athletes she was renewing rivalry with the Midlands champion Josie Oliarnyk, ranked two in the UK behind Holly and who had finished second to her twice previously.

Josie immediately put the pressure on by producing a new PB however, in good jumping conditions Holly responded equalling her own current best and at the halfway point when the top eight progressed for a further three jumps Holly led.

In the final three rounds Josie was unable to improve and with Holly producing jumps of 5.53m, 5.66m and 5.76m, shewas crowned national champion with Josie again the silver medallist.

Holly was also in action in the 75m hurdles and faced with several opponents ranked above ran two solid races secure a place in the final as a fastest loser.

The final line-up consisted of six girls who had run faster times on the day and were also ranked above Holly but again the level of competition spurred her on as she produced another fine run to take fourth in 11.40secs.

This was a fitting end to a day where Holly achieved what she had set out to do in winning the long jump title and finishing the season unbeaten. She is now top ranked U15 in the UK for U15 long jump and 300m hurdles, fifth for the 300m and 11th for the 75m hurdles and thanked her coach, James Coney, for all the support and guidance he has provided over the past few years and she can now look forward to new challenges as she moves up an age group to U17 level.