ONE of Tamworth's fastest-rising athletics stars has added another grand achievement to her rapidly growing resume.
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Carinya Christian School's Abbie Peet took out the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Kate Bailey Award for outstanding sportsperson with a disability.
The 11-year-old claimed awards in both the 800 metres and cross country events, helping her become one of the youngest students to win the prestigious award CIS award.
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Abbie said she was shocked to learn she had received the top honour.
"I was really excited to win," Abbie told the Leader.
"It was really surprising to have my name added to the award.
"I didn't know it was coming, but I was really happy."
A long-time pupil of legendary Tamworth athletics coach Wally Warner, Abbie said she couldn't have done it without the help of her mentor.
"Wally helps us train really hard," she said.
"He was really excited I won the awards.
"He's a great coach and has really helped me a lot."
Abbie's mother Connie said she was "incredibly proud" of her daughters efforts.
"I think it fantastic a student from the bush like Abbie was able to take out an award that's contested by so many great schools," Mrs Peet said.
"She really loves running and it is so pleasing to see all of her hard work pay off.
"For her to win this award at just 11 years old, is also a major accomplishment.
"I'm sure a lot of the athletes who have won this award have been much older, so it is really exciting for her to win it at such a young age."
Abbie said she wanted to take athletics as far as it could go.
"I'd love to one day compete at the paralympics," she said.
"I'll have to keep working hard if I want to get there though."
Mrs Peet said her daughter would also be setting on her sights on the Cerebral Palsy Games in the coming years.
"She's not too far away from being eligible for those games, so that will certainly be something we will consider," she said.
"Basically, we are taking it all one step at a time and looking to tick off each thing has it comes along.
"For now though, I'm sure our main focus will be continuing to do the hard work at training and preparing for the upcoming state championships."
