Local Recognition For University Sports Star
13 October 2010
Ailsa Lloyd and Councillor Jean Wharmby
It's nice to get recognised, and I hope it inspires more students here to take up karate.
”Ailsa Lloyd
A medal winning student of the University of Derby Buxton has added another title to her prestigious sports career - a High Peak Sports award.
Ailsa Lloyd, 20, is currently in the second year of a Joint Honours degree in Sports Coaching and Sports Psychology at the University of Derby Buxton, and is a Dan black belt in karate.
She took up the martial art aged six and has been competing in regional, national and international competitions since she was nine years old, including travelling to World Championship events.
On October 6 2010, Ailsa won the prestigious Sports Person of the Year Award at the High Peak Sports awards. She was nominated by Anton Orlandi from the University of Derby Athletic Union. Anton said: "Ailsa recently represented the University at the British University College Sport Championships. She was in an extremely tough group competing against fighters more experienced then herself but managed to win all three of her bouts and claim the gold medal.
"This was a fantastic achievement and has made her friends and colleagues at the University very proud."
Ailsa has trained with the AMA Northern England Regional squad as well as the England squad in the past, although injury halted her progress in 2008. She remained positive while out injured and used her time to gain a number of coaching awards to support others in karate. She is the President of the University's popular martial arts club.
Ailsa, who was presented with her award by Councillor Jean Wharmby from High Peak Borough Council, said: "I was shocked and surprised to win this award, as I didn't even know I'd been nominated. It's nice to get recognised, and I hope it inspires more students here to take up karate.
Ailsa is now automatically nominated in the Derbyshire Sports awards which are sponsored by the University of Derby.
