The COVID-19 outbreak came at a dear cost for Ballarat racewalker Jemma Peart.
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After putting her track and field dreams on hold, the teenager was then forced to undertake her university studies online instead of face-to-face.
But like a true athlete, she is persevering.
During the COVID shutdown, Peart has combined her training with her studies to ensure she stays sharp on the track and in the classroom.
"I'm mainly doing my study in the morning, then in the afternoon I go for a run or a walk," Peart said.
"I've had to manage my time properly and be organised so I can both train and do school."
Peart is training six days a week on top of studying three units of an arts and education degree.
As a member of Federation University's Elite Athlete Program, she has worked closely with her strength and conditioning coach Neville Down, who is also the university's course coordinator for health and physical education.
"He has given us a program which we have been following," Peart said.
"We've got a makeshift gym at home that has the bear essentials and it's helping us keep strong and maintain our fitness."
This year marks the first year of university study for Peart, who graduated from high school in 2019. While remote learning has proved challenging, she said she was learning something new every day.
"It's been a challenge because I prefer to go to the classroom and interact with the teacher," she said.
"But I'm still talking to my teachers constantly, as well as my friends because they are going through the same thing as me."
Peart had a stellar 2019 on the track, winning two national titles, including the Federation Cup in Canberra. She also won numerous state championship events.
Subsequently, she was named as a finalist for the Ballarat Junior Sportsperson of the Year alongside Jesse Norton, Claire Lightfoot, Darcy Williams, Tazmin Forrest, Harry Sharp, Josh Jolly and her sister Alanna.
Despite being a star on the track, Peart said her study was just as big a priority.
She said she hoped to use her degree to become a teacher or a psychologist.
"I always think it's important to do well at study to back up your sporting career," she said.
"I've always loved kids so I wanted to do something where I could teach others and watch them learn."
Although she misses racing, Peart said she would do what she had to in the meantime.
"I know everyone is in the same boat," she said.