LOREN Bleaken leapt to second in the 2011 UK U17 women’s rankings with a stunning performance over 800m on Tuesday, writes Kevin Fahey.

The 15-year-old Hardenhuish School student slashed almost five seconds off her personal best with a time of 2mins 06.64secs for victory in the British Milers’ Club meeting at the Exeter Arena.

The time obliterated her previous best of 2:11.56 – she has now improved her 2010 best by eight seconds – and lifts Bleaken into 14th on the UK all-time list.

“I was hoping for a quick time because I have been doing so well at 300m and 400m so my 800m time should have been better,” said Bleaken, who lives in Marshfield.

“I thought I might run 2mins 08/9secs but not 2:06. I am just so pleased with that and felt so good coming down the home straight.”

Bleaken previously enjoyed success at 1500m, winning a silver medal at the 2009 English Schools’ Championships and then fourth last year, but coach Adrian Clover was keen for her to concentrate on the two-lap event and also to try 300m.

The switch has been highly successful, revealing Bleaken is blessed with natural speed.

“I really would like to say a big thank you to my coach, who has said consistently I would be a good 800m runner and has encouraged me to run the event,” added Bleaken. “It’s thanks to him I have my new PB and I'm very pleased.”