Kristine ticks all boxes on battlefront

When  you look up to your parents, you almost see yourself through them and tend to want to emulate them.

This is the story of Kristine Timothy from Parkside, East London, who was inspired by both her father Clinton and mother Whendoline Manewil to play soccer and hockey.

Timothy, a trailblazer at the National Youth Camp 2016, says her mother, a former hockey player, is the reason she plays hockey, while her father – an ex-footballer is credited for her involvement in soccer.

The Greenpoint Senior Secondary School pupil has an undying love for hockey which she says takes preference to soccer but because she want to satisfy both parents, football plays second fiddle in her sport schedule.

She explained why hockey takes preference over football: “With hockey there is more running which means maximum fitness, a healthy body and a good immune system. I am happy I was inspired by my mother who used to play hockey and I decided to try it out in primary school and she was supportive by buying me the playing equipment.”

What about the soccer?

The beautiful game, she said, was second choice not because she loved hockey more than soccer but because the former was taking more of her time.

She explained how she was introduced to soccer: “Knowing my father used to play, I started playing with boys and would steal a few skills and go use them when I am playing with girls.”

Timothy said she was excited with her progress in hockey. But her seriousness in the sport will always come second to education. “Education comes first because I want to be a teacher.”

At least on this one, Timothy is not trying to imitate her parents as she developed the passion at childhood.

“My personality of being talkative made me realise I can be a teacher and even when I was young I did teaching in child games.”