A YOUNG athlete is balancing college with competing internationally in the 800 metres.
Carys McAulay, who is 17, is studying A-Level Biology, Spanish and PE at Priestley College while also fitting in her training.
She has just jetted out to Samoa for the Youth Commonwealth Games, a 52-hour trip, but not before checking in with her tutors to ensure she had all her work covered.
“It is meaning some long days for me, but it is important not to fall behind at college,” said Carys, from Appleton.
“Some nights I don’t go to bed until after 1am, just so that I can fit in my training and work.”
Carys first discovered her running ability at Broomfield Junior School where she would win most of the races she took part in.
Earlier this year she finished fourth in the World Youth Games held in Colombia. She had been aiming for a top 5 finish so was happy with her time of 2 minutes 5.3 seconds.
Now Carys is in Samoa for the Commonwealth event where she is representing Scotland after she moved to Warrington from Glasgow when she was eight.
It follows months of training five days a week including speed and endurance work with her coaches at Warrington Athletics Club.
“Everyone has been really supportive both at college and at the club, which has really helped me,” she said.
Priestley Principal Matthew Grant said the college aimed to support all its high achieving students to ensure they can pursue their goals.
“Tutors are there to support our students with their endeavours inside and outside of college wherever possible,” he said. “We wish Carys all the best for the Commonwealth Games and with her studies too.”
