MANY of North Somerset Athletic Academy s stars were on top form in the first track meeting of the season.

MANY of North Somerset Athletic Academy's stars were on top form in the first track meeting of the season.An opening win from Anicia Skeates in the 70m hurdles got the team spirit going she went on to run the first round of the 100m in a respectable 14.51. Zac Sow and sister Sophia kept the sibling rivalry alive, both running the 200m in times of 29.51 and 29.04. Zac later took part in the 30m knockouts and came second.On the back of being ranked ninth in the UK as an Under-11, Sophie Thomas relished the opportunity to compete in the older age group and ran personal bests of 14.49 in the 100m and 30.15 in the 200m. She later went on to win the 30m knockouts.Tasha Osgood running for the first time in the Under-15s category, ran PBs in the 100m (13.75) and 29.01 for 200m. James Lawrence competing for the first time after making the UK sports hall finals in Birmingham, ran an outstanding 100m in 12.50, which currently ranks him 26th in the UK and a quick 200m in 25.21.Rosie Parsons and Jemma Hennessy had a busy afternoon both competing in three events and turning in strong performances. Rosie in particular in the 100m 14.24 and Jemma in the 300m 48.48.In his first race of the season, Ashley Pierson ran respectable times in both the 100m 11.74 and 200m 24.01.Strong performances on the day also came from Francesca Allen, Jordan Allen, Chloe Buck, Emma Smith and Emily Hancock.After a winter of hard training and conditioning, these athletes under the watchful eye of Chris Millard are already showing signs of a promising season ahead of them.All these athletes will be competing at the Avon League on Sunday and hope to continue their form into the Avon County Championships at Yate in May.Fantastic weather matched the performances of some of NSAA's top athletes. A whole host of medals were won and personal best's set recently.Each of the following athletes have just stepped up a year group, but showed they are still performing well enough in the low end of the age group to win medals.Chloe Buck trying her hand at distance running this season and knocked three seconds of her previous best to finish fourth in the 600m 2.03.2 minutes. She later competed in the 150m and finished in sixth in a time of 23.7 seconds. She also finished fifthth in the long jump (3.35m). Sophie Thomas collected two bronze and a silver, her best performance of the day came in the 150m finishing second in a new PB of 22.1s.Francesca Allen competed in three events running 14.2 for 100m, 31.2 in the 200m and a respectable shot of 6.87m. Older brother Jordan also showing a flair for the shot, throwing 8.72m and claimed a silver medal. He also ran the 100m in 13.6 and finished fourth in his heat. In-form Jake Fisher competing in his favoured events, jumped 5.58m to win gold in the long jump and followed this up with a bronze in the triple jump (11.48m). Both of these jumps now place him inside the top five Under-17 athletes in the South West. He also came joint third in the 100m.The highlight of the day is reserved for South West sprint champion Ash Pierson. Ash who has recently become a sponsored athlete due to outstanding performances last year, set new personal bests in both the 100m and 200m.He claimed gold in the 100m (11.6) and a very close second in the 200m (23.4). Ash's 100m time, now ranks him inside the top 20 in the UK.As a footnote all at NSAA wish Katie Grinyer and Cameron Coetzee every success at the London Mini Marathon road races on April 26.NORTH Somerset Athletics Academy have achieved massive success over the last four years, and are now expanding to include more talented Athletes.NSAA are turning potential into achievement thanks to a caring and knowledgeable approach to the athletes.Do you win sprint or mini-marathon races at your school sports day? Can you throw well? Are you currently in school years 4-6? We can and want to, develop your talent to help you maximise your potential (whether in athletics or other sport). Why just accept being the best in your school, when with a little dedication you could become the best in the county, region. We have 20 spaces to fill, with plenty of opportunities awaiting successful athletes.NSAA are starting their new training season at the end of May, therefore if you are interested in being viewed for possible inclusion, you can attend any of the following sessions, and ask to speak to Chris regarding NSAA Selection. This will cost you nothing!April 27 at Nailsea School 6-7pm; April 30 at Churchill Sports Centre 5-6pm; May 2 at Swiss Valley Sports Centre 10.30-11.45am. Please wear kit suitable for outdoor activity.Contact Chris on 07952 736032 or chrisbtg@blueyonder.co.uk to confirm attendance at any of these sessions. For more information on NSAA visit www.nsaa.me.uk