IN a short space of time Payton Smede has made quite a mark in the world of athletics.
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The 15-year-old St John's College student enters Year 10 studies this week and her year couldn't have started any better after she took out the Junior Sportsperson of the Year award at yesterday's Australia Day ceremony.
Although she has only seriously been involved in the sport for four years, 2013 was certainly a big one for Smede who won gold in the 200m hurdles, silver in the 90m hurdles and 400m sprint, and bronze in the 200m sprint at the Little Athletics State Titles.
As a 14-year-old she made the NSW squad and competed at the Australian Championships in the under-16 section and competed in the 400m, 200m hurdles and 90m hurdles.
"I found out about a week ago that I'd won the award but I had to keep it pretty quiet," Smede said afterwards.
"It's a nice award to win and I'm pretty proud of it."
While she took part in the cake-cutting ceremony yesterday there was no chance for Smede to enjoying a slice as she had to train yesterday afternoon in preparation for a very busy two-month period ahead.
She will compete in carnivals on five of the next seven weekends, before she embarks on a busy year of studying and further school carnivals.
"It's going to be a balance for her but she is looking forward to it," Payton's dad John Smede said.
"At times she can train up to six days a week and it can be long, hard work at times so it's a nice reward for her that she's won this award."
Mayor Mathew Dickerson was full of praise for Payton's achievement in winning the award.
"As a young athlete, Payton Smede continues to impress and is collecting numerous medals at State and National Championships," he said.
"A member of the Dubbo Little Athletics Club she has participated in many local and regional carnivals and is progressing through to a number of major achievements for her age group.
"Payton is a local athlete the whole community will follow with great interest over the next few years and we support her in her pursuit to compete at the 2018 Commonwealth Games."
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