YASMIN Smith has been offered a four-year scholarship to study and run at the University of South Florida.

The 18-year-old Swindon Harrier was literally bombarded with offers from colleges in America after winning the South West Schools' 3000m title in a personal best of 10mins 14secs last summer and then providing some fine cross-country performances in the winter.

"I had offers from around 20 colleges but chose South Florida because they had the best understanding of what I wanted to do," said Smith.

"They also have a female track coach there which I think will help."

The four-year deal to study exercise science includes all Smith's tuition fees, accommodation costs and food.

"It is everything apart from pocket money," added Smith. "And at the end I will come out with a degree and no debt. It still hasn't sunk in yet."

It will do by next weekend as Smith, who lives in Old Walcot, is flying out to Florida on Friday to look around the college and meet the staff.

She'll be hoping to arrive with another success on her athletics CV as Smith heads the Wiltshire senior girls' team at the South West Schools' Cross Country Championships, in Gloucester, today.

"I was fifth last year so hopefully I can do better but it will depend on who turns up," said Smith.

The Swindon New College student goes into the race in good form having opened the year with victory in the Under 20 women's race at the South West Club Championships followed by a comfortable victory at the Wiltshire Schools.

Last weekend she finished runner-up - and top Under 20 athlete - in the Oxford League so a top three place today is well within her capability.