KYABRAM'S sprinting star Emily Lawson is flying just weeks out from competing at the world junior track and field titles in the United States.
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The young gun from the South Bendigo Athletics Club will race in the 400m and the 4 x 400m relay when the championships are run in Eugene, Oregon from July 22 to 27.
On the eve of her 18th birthday on Sunday, Lawson was hurtling around the La Trobe University Bendigo athletics complex in Flora Hill.
Runs against clubmates Nigel Self and Josh Pickthall were closely watched by coach Peter Barrett.
A key part of Lawson's build-up for the titles will be this Saturday's 400m duel with Commonwealth Games team member Morgan Mitchell at Geelong's Landy Field.
Lawson said being runner-up to Mitchell in the open 400m at last summer's Victorian titles was a huge lift to her confidence.
Lawson's goal for the worlds is to lower her personal best of 54.25.
"The 400m run at the Australian Juniors in Sydney was amazing," she said of blitzing a previous best of 55.40.
Lawson has great support from parents Alister and Jenni. Off the track she is a year 12 student at Goulburn Valley Grammar.
