SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

Annia Ashley took flight at an impressive 1.77 metres which saw her win the Girl's Class Three high jump competition in fine style, to high-light an otherwise quiet third morning, at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championship (Champs) at the National Stadium, yesterday.

"I am very happy to win. I did not really do too much preparations for the season, but I am very happy right now," she said.

"It (the win) came down to my talent and hard work today (yesterday)," she told STAR Sports.

The talented Edwin Allen athlete added her school's first gold medal of the championships so far, and narrowly missed the Class Three high jump record by one metre. The mark is at 1.78m.

Lamara Distin of Rusea's was the silver medallist at 1.74m, while Annisa Walters copped bronze for Holy Childhood at 1.68m.

"I knew she (Annia) had it in her, but never knew she had that much,"said coach Shane Cole, who has conditioned the jumper for the last three years.

"It is very impressive to see, knowing she hasn't done the vertical jump much this season. Coming here today, (yesterday) she more than delivered," Cole said.

Triumphant Ashley has her sights set on doubling in the long jump, and opines that Edwin Allen will win Champs 2015.

In the meantime, coach Cole predicts the defending champions' balance will see them retain the title.

"Edwin Allen is an all-round team, we have our strengths," he said, without giving specifics.

"We (Edwin Allen) will defend our title," assured the high jump coach.