High jumper Skeates is making a lot of progress

As a high jumper it would be quite appropriate to say that Anicia Skeates has raised the bar this summer.

The 12-year-old North Somerset AC athlete, who has been nurtured by Chris Millard and his team, started the campaign with a best of 1.35m after taking up the event last year.

But as the season draws to a close – though she is in action in the final South West League match next Sunday – Skeates has soared to third place in the UK Under-13 rankings with a new best of 1.52m, which she registered at the South West Inter Counties Championships last weekend.

"I thought I would try the high jump last season because it looked interesting," said Skeates.

"I gave it a go and really enjoyed it and have kept on ever since."

Skeates, who lives in Worle and goes to St Bedes Catholic College, in Bristol, is a talented all-rounder.

She has improved her long jump best from 4.19m to 4.51m and her legal best in the 70m hurdles from 13.0secs to 12.27secs.

"I still like doing the long jump and hurdles and also the sprints as well, but the high jump is my favourite event now," added Skeates.

"I have to go to Millfield School track to get expert coaching as we don't have high jump facilities at North Somerset. I really enjoy it."

Her progress in the sport is also another success story for Sports Hall athletics as Skeates was part of the Avon team that was managed by Hilary Nash, Dave Turner and Sue Jones, which qualified for the UK Finals last winter.