ATHLETE Eliza Barton has won a $32,000 a year scholarship to attend college in the US, capping a brilliant junior career at Westfield Sports High School.

The 1500m state champion, who started athletics at the age of five, has been rewarded for her dedication which led to 18 state titles and a national crown.

Barton, 18, will attend Monmouth University in New Jersey from January, giving her the chance to train with some of the world’s best coaches.

“It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “When I found out I was pretty excited because at the time I wasn’t sure what I was going to do next year.” Barton who competes in the 3km, 10,000, 1500m and 800m said the level of competition would be “tough”, but would help her improve.

“I have looked at the times and they are quite fast compared to what I am used to here, but it’s better to compete against tough competition,” she said.

“Hopefully I can do some PBs, but my long term goal is to make to the Olympics.”

Coach James Fitzgerald said Barton was the most dedicated athlete he had ever coached.

“She never leaves a stone unturned,” he said.

“She’s 18 but she acts like she’s 40. She has incredible wisdom and I am one of her biggest fans.”