TEENAGE athlete Mia Chantree has set some ambitious targets for the next 12 months after ending 2017 on a high.

The 16-year-old FitzWimarc School pupil won gold in the South of England Under-17 Pentathlon just a year after securing bronze in the same event.

And having claimed an improved finish this time around, Chantree has high hopes for 2018.

The Chelmsford Athletics Club member said: “Winning the gold medal felt amazing.

“I am extremely happy and pleased that the hard work at winter training is paying off and it has been a great way to begin my season.

“I am thankful to my coaches Steve Mitchell and Sarah Besford and obviously my parents for their hard work helping me reach my potential.

“I was happy with bronze last year as it was my first year as an under-17 competitor.

“But my goal this time around was to challenge for the gold medal.

“The target helped motivate me to do my best in all the events and eventually end up on the top of the podium.

“It’s always hard after the break following the hectic summer schedule.

“My aims for this year are to make the English Schools individual team for the third year in the high jump and qualify for the Essex Combined Events team for the fourth year.

“If that goes to plan there will be a chance of being selected for an international competition.

“Obviously at the same time I will be taking my GCSEs, so it’s a big summer for me.”

Chantree recently completed 10 days of work experience with Jason Fergus and his team at Active Essex in Chelmsford following her RDC Sports Personality of the Year award win in 2016.

The FitzWimarc School pupil enjoyed an impressive year, which included winning two medals at the South of England Championships.

And Chantree added to her growing medals collection at further events.

But she says one competition stands out after winning bronze and registering a personal best.

Chantree, who lives in Rayleigh, added: “My biggest achievement in 2017 was winning the bronze medal in the National Combined Events Championship in Manchester.

“I went into the competition extremely nervous but used it as a positive.

“As a result, I was able to take third with a personal best in the 800m on the second day.”