Malikye Kessie on golden track for success in athletics and nippers
WHETHER he’s running on sand or the track, it’s clear to see sprinting is in Malikye Kessie’s blood. The 12 year old is our first nominee for junior sports star in the 2017 Local Sports Stars awards.
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WHETHER he’s running on sand or the track, it’s clear to see sprinting is in Malikye Kessie’s blood.
The son of Ghana Olympic sprinter and soccer player Louis Kessie, who also coaches him, Malikye is carving out a bright future of his own in athletics at Randwick Botany Little Athletics Centre, as well as part of South Maroubra SLSC nippers.
The 12-year-old cemented his sporting prowess at the nippers state championships this month by successfully defending his NSW under-12 male beach flags title for the fourth consecutive year.
He also took gold for the second year running in the male beach sprint event, and won silver as part of South Maroubra’s under-12 male beach relay team, helping the club secure 10th place in the competition overall.
“The flags is my favourite event because there are heaps of heats and you have to get up quickly and run fast, it’s exciting,” Malikye said.
“I was just so happy when I won.”
Mum Karen Carnevale said she was always more nervous than her son when it came to put his hard training to work in competition.
“Not because we think he can’t do it, but because there is so much riding on each event, especially in flags where things can go wrong and you can get disqualified,” she said.
“He’s always so cool and calm and never lets anything worry him — we’re really proud.”
Malikye proved to be an ace on the track at the Little Athletics NSW championships on the weekend, winning gold in the long jump, and silver in triple jump. He also competed in the 100m and 200m sprint events.
As for future aspirations, Malikye dreams of being the next Usain Bolt, and representing Australia at the Olympics. “I play lots of sports — I play soccer and footy as well, but I really want to do something with athletics,” Malikye said.
“Sometimes I do want to quit but my parents keep me going and remind me all this training will help prepare me for my future career.”
To nominate someone or to find out more about the program visit localsportsstars.com.au
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