Wairarapa College pupil Keelan Ward returned from the New Zealand track and field championships held at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, last weekend with three medals - one gold and two silver.
Contesting the boys AWD (athletes with disability) 17yrs and under age group in Wellington colours, the 15-year-old came first in the 400m in 69.34secs and was runner-up to Auckland's Richard Nelson-Parker over the 100m (14.37secs) and 200m (30.74secs).
His 100m effort was a personal best by more than 1secs and he was close to his PBs in the other two events as well.
Masterton-based coach Mark Harris has had Ward in serious training for only about six months and says he has been "absolutely blown away" by the progress he has made. His 400m time had improved by almost 10secs over that period.
"He's not a big kid but he's gutsy and he wants to learn, you certainly can't fault his attitude," Harris said. "Obviously there is still plenty to work on but he's definitely promising, he's got what it takes."