Alysia Mcintyre

Alysia had wanted to become an Olymic champion herself ever since Larry Achike gave her a coaching session in the longjump when she was about 8 years old. She worked hard in the high jump and in middle distance running. She played netball since her junior school and added LeCoss as a Senior. In 2008 she was district champion in 400m and her 400m relay team was second. It was also the year her coach told her there were girls younger than her, running faster and jumping higher. She put that devastating judjement behind her and focused on coaching younger teams in her school in netball and athletics. Alysia organised to spend her gap year in a State School in Kenya - Eburru Secondary School, near Naivasha - to set up a netball programme.The girls, who had never played netball before, came third in Naivasha District. Since then, and agaist adversity the girls havecontinued to play. In January 2011 Alysia went back to Eburru School to coach and the girls came second in the Distgrict. Its now the girls - and Alysia's - ambition to make the Nationals next year. Alysia collected her DofE Gold Medal this year, not least of all for her comittment and dedication to promote and coach sports in local schools. Besides studying for a Diploma in Personal Training she continues to give up her spare time to coach and play netball. When I asked Alysia if she wanted to be nominatged she replied: I would be the proudest girl in the whole world if I could carry the Olympic Torch.