Fast 10-year-old South Maroubra nipper Malikye Kessie takes after Olympian dad

Ten-year-old Malikye Kessie knows he is faster than other kids. After all, it’s in his genes.

Malikye Kessie is a 10-year-old nipper who already has 50 medals to his name. His dad, Louis Kessie, is an ex-Olympian.

THE fastest 10-year-old nipper on South Maroubra beach was always destined to be quick – it’s in his genes.

Ten-year-old Malikye Kessie is the son of Ghana Olympic sprinter and soccer player Louis Kessie.

From under 11s first division rugby league to soccer, athletics and surf lifesaving – the Maroubra Bay 2013 junior sportsman is good at any sport he tries.

Malikye Kessie, 10-year-old, already has 50 medals to his name. Picture: Carly Earl

Last month the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club nipper won gold in the flags for the second year running.

His medals will take pride of place with 48 others in his Matraville bedroom, awarded for everything from making the regionals for 70m and 100m high jump, to his leadership on the rugby field for his team the Wombats.

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Malikye said he joined nippers to work on his swimming, but quickly learnt he was at his best in sand events, like flags and beach sprints.

“I did a few carnivals and afterwards I noticed I was good at it,” he said.

Mum Karen Carnevale said she knew her son was destined for sport greatness when someone put a football in his hands five years ago.

Malikye Kessie and his dad, Louis Kessie, an ex-Olympian.

She said her son excelled in any sport he tried.

Malikye says two things separate him from the other kids around him – his dad and having fun with any sport he tries.

“I only stared doing sports when I was five,” he said.

“It wasn’t a running sport it was football. My dad always helped me in what to do and how to do everything.”

Malikye Kessie is this week’s nominated Young Sporting Spirit nominee.

TO NOMINATE

■ To nominate someone you know for the Young Sporting Spirit, Junior Sport Star, Service to Sport or Team Spirit categories click here: juniorsportsstar.com.au

■ Nominations close on October 23

■ Check the Junior Sports Star website at juniorsportsstar.com.au or the Southern Courier each week to follow the latest stories on southeast nominees

■The competition is run by NewsLocal Rebel is back as the major sponsor and 7 News as the media partner.

■ Fox Sports Pulse is the sponsor for the Team Spirit category.

■ Southeast sprinting talent Jessica Thornton was awarded the 2014 Junior Sports Star of the Year at a ceremony in February