HURDLER Sharon Walls has enjoyed a memorable athletics season.

Under the watchful eye and guidance of her coach, Don Moss, the 19-year-old sprinter from Leigh has emerged as one of the most improved and talented young athletes in the UK.

Through commitment, dedication, focus and belief, Wigan Harrier Sharon has achieved her goals.

After winning the English Schools in 2003, Sharon and Don sat down and put a four year plan together and after her end of season break Sharon started back training at the end of October.

Winter training went as planned. With the introduction of more conditioning and a weight programme, Sharon became stronger and fitter and with everything going in the right direction it was not surprising that when the 2004 season started Sharon set good times which she maintained throughout the season.

Sharon's won a silver medal at the U/23 AAA's Championships and was sixth in the final of the televised Senior AAA's Olympic trials in which she was the youngest athlete.

The highlight of the season was Sharon's call up to represent Great Britain at the U/23 International against Italy and Germany where she took bronze in the 100m hurdles.

Winning a Great Britain vest was the realisation of a dream for Sharon and Don.

Her last hurdles race this season was at Derby when she represented the north against the south and the midlands in an U/23 inter-county territorial match.

She finished fourth in the 100m with a personal best of 11.90.

She won the 100m hurdles in 13.70, a tenth of a second outside her best,then ran the last leg of the 4 x 400m relay clocking 56.2 to bring the team home in third.

Proud coach Don Moss said: "She has done so well. Sharon will now be taking a well-earned rest now before she starts back winter training in October preparing for the 2005 season when she will be contesting for a place in the European Championships, the U/23 and the Senior AAA's Championships and the Commonwealth Games trials in September."