Summer Sutherland, Clare McCormack and Dakira Cooper snag state athletics medals

In her final year of school at Tallangatta Secondary College the 18-year-old has qualified to compete at school state level for swimming, cross country and most recently, athletics- all while preparing to sit year 12 exams.

Sutherland took out the high jump event and snagged a third place medal in the 800 metre race at the state carnival, but was not the only student to achieve athletic success from the school.

13-year-old Dakira Cooper came first in javelin and second in discus, also representing the school in shot put, while fellow year 12 student Clare McCormack took out third in shot put, after also qualifying for javelin and discus.

Sutherland said her experience at All School Nationals last year in Cairns helped her performance this year, with the youngster eyeing off a Nationals spot again.

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"Having that experience was really good heading into the competition," Sutherland said.

"It's been pretty cool to make it into all three competitions in my final year.

"There's such a good atmosphere and everyone likes to have a chat and catch-up.

"It's good to see people from other schools that I've met in previous years."

Sutherland has also been selected in the under-18 Australian indoor hockey squad alongside her sister Macey, in the hopes of competing in the World Cup next year, while older sister Riley is bound for Russia representing the under-21's.

While Sutherland loves the thrill of competing, she said she has also used physical activity this year to help her through the stress of completing her studies.

"I think competing in sport is like a getaway for me just to relax my mind and refresh," Sutherland said.

"Just keeping the sport going for mental health is really important to me, and obviously I enjoy it."

The trio are now preparing for the second installment of the All School's athletics competition this weekend.

Both Cooper and McCormack will look to add to their impressive medal collections when they compete in the hammer throw, shot put and javelin, while Sutherland is looking to go as far as she can in the high jump and 800 metres.