She has had a history of performing big time wherever she competed locally or internationally.
Sprint queen, Alisha Fortune, relishes the success and the opportunity to represent her country on the big stage.
At 40, most track and field athletes are no longer relevant.
Not Fortune.
The mother of three, Wednesday night capped off a banner season after being crowned the 2015 Sportswoman of the Year.
She was the runaway winner, besting other nominees, Chelsea Edghill (Table Tennis) and Tremayne Smartt (Cricket).
Fortune took home the coveted award after she struck gold in the 100, 200 and 400m events in the 40-44 year category during World Masters Athletic Outdoor Championship in Lyon, France last August.
At the championships which attracted competitors from 110 countries, Fortune ran 12.35s in the 100m final, 24.88s in the half lap event and 56.88s in the 400m.
During her gold heist, Fortune bested athletes from the host nation, Belgium, Spain, Great Britain, Canada, the USA, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Ireland and others.
For Fortune who also competes with distinction in the iron sport of bodybuilding, it was just hard work that paid off.
President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson and President of the Bodybuilding Federation, Keavon Bess, both congratulated the multi-talented athlete after she received the well-deserved award.
Following the award ceremony, Fortune, clad in a blue dress and stilettos thanked her family, coach Julian Edmonds, her sponsors, the National Sports Commission, the local Master’s Association and others for helping with her success.
At the ceremony which was held at the National Cultural Centre, Director of Sport, Chris Jones stated that provision of house lots to exceptional athletes will be made along with special treatment for healthcare “along with scholarships to the University of Guyana will be a reality.”
Time will tell if Fortune among others will indeed be recipients of the above. (Emmerson Campbell)
