NEWPORT sprinter Katie-Jane Priest knows she will have to work even harder if she’s to keep up with rising star Hannah Brier.

Priest, who runs for Newport Harriers, won two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m at the Welsh Athletics Championships in Cardiff last weekend.

Swansea Harriers ace Brier won gold in both races as she warmed up for the IAAF World Youth (Under 18) Championships in Cali, Colombia, next month.

And Priest wants to follow Brier’s example after a successful weekend in Cardiff.

“I’m happy with two bronze medals,” said the 18-year-old. “I didn’t expect it because I don’t normally medal in seniors so it was a nice surprise and a reward for my hard work this year.

“Hannah is a great athlete and she’s a good friend. She trains really hard and she deserves it.

“I’ve had a few races this season that I haven’t been too happy with and I know I need to work really hard in the winter looking ahead to next year.

“I’ve finished college now so I can work even harder now.”

Next up for the former Chepstow School pupil is the English Schools Athletic Association Track & Field Championship in Gateshead on July 10 and July 11.

“I’ll be going for the 100m in Gateshead and hopefully I can get to the semis and the final there,” said Priest.

“I want to finish off the season strongly, try to get my times down and keep progressing.”

Brier, who was part of the Welsh 4x100m relay team at the Commonwealth Games last year alongside Newport’s Mica Moore, is looking forward to Cali.

“The Commonwealth Games certainly inspired me to take athletics far more seriously,” said the 17-year-old.

“I think I’m ranked third or fourth in the world right now, which I’m really happy with. It will be a great race if I get there and I’d love to make the final.

“That’s my ultimate goal and, once you are in there, anything can happen. It's just about getting there, and then getting through the rounds injury-free.”

Former Newport Harriers sprinter Moore, who now runs for Birchfield Harriers, missed the Welsh Championships after suffering a suspected bout of glandular fever and struggling with hamstring problems.