Growing up was fun. I grew up in a big household with five sisters and an older brother. I hold many positive memories of my childhood. If I close my eyes now and think back, I can hear a lot of laughter!

However, from an early age, I was overtly aware that my life would be more challenging than some of my friends due to the colour of my skin.

My first encounter with racism happened when I was seven years old (which I didn't realise at the time). I remember my best friend, Stephanie, and I laughing in class. But I was the only one who got told off. I felt awful and had an overwhelming sense of unworthiness. I questioned internally why Stephanie wasn't reprimanded while I was. The only difference I could see was the colour of our skin. That experience weighed heavily on my shoulders then and still does years later. 

From a young age, I recognised that my treatment differed from that of my white counterparts - a sentiment that still rings true today.

Despite those challenges, I excelled academically in school. I also thrived in sports, particularly in athletics, where I held the record for both the 100 and 200 metres. My speed was recognised by teachers as a good thing, so I immersed myself in extra-curricular activities seeking validation, I suppose. I participated in numerous after-school clubs and signed up for every sports team available.

My journey in the sports industry might have looked very different if I hadn’t faced these health challenges. Despite them, I feel I've made a more significant impact off the track than I might have on it.

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