Oxford's Hannah England became the first British athlete in five years to win a US national indoor collegiate title with victory in the women's mile at the NCAA Indoor track and field championships.

The 20-year-old, who transferred to Florida State University from Birmingham University at the end of the 2006/07 academic year, used a powerful kick to move from fourth to first over the final lap, hitting the front at the final turn and winning in a personal best and Florida State record time of four minutes 35.30 seconds.

Nicole Edwards of Michigan finished second by 0.44secs with Tennessee's Sarah Bowman third in 4min 36secs.

"From racing in America I've learned that everybody runs full out," England told the Florida State athletics website. "You don't get that in England, it's a bit more cat and mouse.

"With everyone running full out I was prepared to put myself in a line and run hard. I could see the other girls make their move and I felt comfortable with myself. I knew I could handle what they were doing and I was ready for my kick."

England is Britain's first NCAA indoor champion since

Chris Mulvaney won the mile and Carl Myerscough took the shot put in 2003. Both men also repeated the feats the following year with victories at the 2004 NCAA outdoor championships.

AFP