HOLLY Sweeney has continued her ascension through the junior athletic ranks, claiming a state title and runner-up at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium last weekend.

The 15-year-old claimed a gold medal in the 200m in a time of 26.43 seconds and ran second in the 100m in 12.83 seconds at the Little Aths Victoria State Track and Field Championships.

The Mooralla resident said she had no expectations going into the championships and was just hoping to increase her experience at big events.

“This is the first time ever doing something that big, I just went there for fun and to see what I could do,” she said.

“I went there before for states, got disqualified, but that’s okay, it definitely gave me more confidence for this time around.”

Sweeney also competed in the long jump, finishing eighth with a best jump of 4.68m.

The avid sprinter prefers the 100m, but also works with local athletics trainer, Phillip Molesworth, on her 200m efforts.

The Monivae College Year 10 student currently trains twice a week, with the potential to add a third session in each week to fast-track her development.

“It has been really good, Phillip was there on the weekend and it was great to have him there to help with warm ups and things,” Sweeney said.

“My main thing with the 100m is working with the blocks, my technique is apparently really good and so just working on little things.

“My 200m focus is a lot of bend work, keeping the pace up coming around the bend.”

Sweeney is also gearing up for another netball campaign at Cavendish but will also turn her focus to the nationals next month in Brisbane.

“I am in the 100m, I will go there and just see what happens,” Sweeney said.

“Just get the experience and then after nationals, I have all of next year to keep training.

“I have only done a little bit of training and I am not that strong yet.

“I definitely want to pursue sprinting, if I can get to the Olympics, I will try as hard as I can.”