Many university students struggle to strike a balance between studying and socialising but one city youngster also has to train for top-level athletics tournaments.

Now 20-year-old Serena Grace, from Horsford, also has a major decision looming on the horizon as she attracts interest from some of the most prestigious colleges in America.

Currently studying Physical Education, Sport and Health at the University of East Anglia, Serena’s rise in the world of sprinting has been rapid, running the 100 metres in 11.69 seconds this summer.

That time has ranked her 10th in the UK at under-23 level and she is also currently seventh in the 200m U23 indoor rankings.

Serena said: “From such a young age, I discovered that I’m quite disciplined in what I do compared to others I’ve met.

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"Some people were there to socialise. It was that dedication and commitment that made me stand out from the rest.”

Norwich Evening News: Serena Grace featured in BBC TV coverage when she competed at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham in February 2023Serena Grace featured in BBC TV coverage when she competed at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham in February 2023 (Image: BBC)

The City of Norwich Athletics Club prodigy has already received 10 different US sports scholarship offers from the USA and believes heading stateside will be the best option for her development.

Serena continued: “In order to improve I know I need to go somewhere where it’s hot and I’m getting the top level of support, and the training programmes in America are crazy.

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“That’s what I need to do to make the European Under-23 Championships in 2025.”

Norwich Evening News: Some of the many trophies that Norwich sprint star Serena Grace has won during her young careerSome of the many trophies that Norwich sprint star Serena Grace has won during her young career (Image: Serena Grace)

The sprinter has already shared the track with Olympians including Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita but admits her journey to the top hasn’t been easy.

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Being raised by her "strong" single mother, Vanessa, the athlete always felt that she would “be facing barriers other people wouldn’t have to face”.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the many medals that Norwich sprinter Serena Grace has won during her career so farSome of the many medals that Norwich sprinter Serena Grace has won during her career so far (Image: Serena Grace)

Serena added: “I’ve had ups, but I’ve had plenty of downs as well, such as injuries and bullying throughout my childhood.

“The reason I wanted to pursue athletics is because I’ve been through a lot at a young age, I saw it as an outlet for myself.”