THE new track and field season is in its infancy but Abby Miles has put down an early marker that this could be a big summer for her, writes Kevin Fahey.

The 17-year-old Swindon Harrier, from Shaw, opted to open her outdoor campaign at the Windsor, South, Eton & Hounslow's Spring open meeting at the weekend, competing in both her main event, the long jump, and the 100m.

The 100m didn’t go as well as she hoped but Miles declared herself happy with her long jump as she equalled her legal lifetime best of 5.35m, which is the best outdoor mark in the South West so far this year.

“I had three jumps and after opening with 5.11m, I improved to 5.14m and then on my final jump, went out to 5.35m, which equalled my personal best,” said Miles, who also has a wind-assisted 5.36m to her name as well.

“I am very happy with that, especially as it is only five centimetres off the qualifying standard for the English Schools’ Championships, which is one of main targets this summer.

“It is not a bad start to the outdoor season.”

Miles, who is a student at Lydiard Park Academy, confirmed that she decided to focus her energies on the long jump this season and ditched the triple jump, in which she has enjoyed some success over the past two seasons.

“I was not amazing in the triple jump, even though I have improved a lot and reached 10.53m last summer,” added Miles.

“I have had a chat with my coach (Dan Cossins) and I feel it will be easier for me to stick with the long jump now.

“It is very encouraging to open with 5.35m and I think it is definitely possible for me to get to 5.60m this summer. That is my target.”

Miles will next be in action for the Harriers in their opening Southern Women’s League match.