Burnett continues to make a big impact on the statistics register in the South Eastern Conference (SEC) of the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) track and field circuit.

After setting numerous records at Essex County College, where she won 10 national titles and was selected the Most Outstanding Athlete at the 2000 National Championships, Burnett graduated from Essex last year and was selected as a recipient of the Presidential Student-Athlete Scholarship.

Burnett was soon making a name for herself at Lousiana State University (LSU) where the coaches expressed amazement and satisfaction with her phenomenal performances.

The Guyanese, who is currently home on holiday, moved up to the top position after holding down the number two ranking since the start of the Indoor track season in mid-January.

According to Burnett, she chose LSU because she was of the opinion that its sports programme was fantastic and it is one of the leading track and field universities in the USA.

She is now ranked number one at 800 metres, following a string of impressive showings, including a personal best 2:02.00 minutes and boasts of never being beaten on the indoor circuit. Her Lady Tigers female track team has also been crowned NCAA champions for the 13th time in the last 15 years - a feat she considers a great achievement for 2002.

Burnett also competed in South Eastern Conference cross-country event for her university and placed 26th in a field of over 300 athletes, the best performance for her school. She explained that her reason for participating in the cross-country event was to make her stronger for the 800 metres, which she specialises in. She also does the 400 metres just to acquire speed but not on a competitive level.

Apart from her prowess at athletics, Burnett is also pursuing her academic career with much diligence. The former member of the Guyana Police Force explained that she is currently studying Criminology, Sociology and General Studies, leading up to a double degree.

Burnett said she has been maintaining three points and higher in her subjects which are considered good performances at the university and she has to maintain these in order to “stay on the track” as if your standards are low academically, you are not allowed to compete.

On her desire to participate in the 2002 Olympic Games Burnett pointed out that she is quite satisfied with her training programme.

Although she participates only on the indoor circuit, Burnett says the transition to the outdoor circuit wouldn’t be a problem. As a matter of fact, she’s just longing to compete outdoor after she leaves LSU next year.

Burnett acknowledges that next year will be a testing one for her, as she has to excel if her Olympic dreams are to become a reality. She will be back on the track on January 18 when she competes at a meeting in Arkansas. She will then be involved in seven other meets, leading up to the NCAA Championships on March 14-15.

Burnett feels Guyana possesses several talented athletes but badly needs a synthetic track to develop the talent. In this way, local athletes will be able to acquire the many scholarships that are available at universities in the USA. She is however encouraging the athletes at home to be disciplined and train vigorously.

Touching on her training schedule, Burnett said she runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for about 40 minutes and at 13:30 hrs she works out on the track. Despite being on holiday, her training programme has not been disrupted as her training schedule, mapped out by her coach, is being maintained.