Sarah Waldron ran two personal bests in eight days in July

Herefordshire athlete Sarah Waldron has taken up an offer of a sports scholarship in the United States at the University of New Mexico.

The 22-year-old middle distance runner has represented Great Britain and England in recent years.

"It has been very difficult not being on any funding in the UK so it will be nice to have the facilities," she said.

"I will also have some kit paid for and will be able to train with a great group of girls they have out there."

Waldron feels the chance to work regularly with other top athletes will improve her performances while she will also have the chance to compete in top American track and field meetings.

"They have a great distance squad out there and it is at high altitude which is very beneficial for distance running," she said.

I am looking to come back in a year's time and really be at the top of my game Sarah Waldron

"Also it is warm all the way through the year which is also of great benefit.

"I have been doing endless amounts of paperwork but I am sure it will be worth it when I am out there."

Waldron will have the opportunity to combine her athletics with a masters degree in the United States but says the academic side of the scholarship will take second place to her athletics.

"You have to try these things and it could completely make me as an athlete," she said.

"But I have got to see how it goes and if it doesn't work out I will come back to Herefordshire and train here.

"But I am hoping everything is going to go ok and I will be out there and running really well.

"I am looking to come back in a year's time and really be at the top of my game."

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