Fifteen-year old Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship holder, Deanna Lockett, has performed strongly in round three of the Short Track World Cup in Japan.

Skating against competitors with much more experience, the Sydney schoolgirl finished the 1000 metre competition in 12th place, improving on her 13th place from the previous round in Canada.

“Deanna again skated very well and showed her potential,” Australian coach, Ann Zhang, said. “She continues to improve at every World Cup event and is making good progress at the top level of the sport.

Our leading male performer was Lachlan Hay finishing in 24th place in the 1500 metre event, with Pierre Boda 26th in the 1000 metres. Australia’s other 15-year old skater, Armstrong Lazenby, also impressed, skating a personal best time of 43.877 seconds in the 500 metre event.

The next round of the ISU World Cup takes place in Shanghai, China, this weekend.