Alisha’s Sailing to glory

ALISHA Kawalla is quite clear of her intentions in the coming month.

The Albion Park sailor will compete at the ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships in Canada and the RS:X Youth World Championships in Poland - her fourth year of international competition.

In the lead up to this hectic schedule " Alisha has surrounded herself with experienced training partners and mentors that have tasted success on the international stage.

"I have been training with Allison Shreeve who is a Formula Windsurfing World Champion and ranked number two in Australia," Alisha said.

"I have also had the opportunity to do some sessions with three-time Olympian Jessica Crisp.

"Being my fourth youth world championship I really want to win a medal."

Alisha's best result came in 2004, where she finished eighth before illness ruined her preparations for the 2006 titles, where she finished 10th.

The Albion Park based athlete is at her best in windy conditions, thanks to her skill and training as a national level hurdler " she has been named leader of the 2007 Australian Youth team.

"Training involves trips to Sydney so while mum drives I'm usually doing homework and also at home on the exercise bike," she said.

"I am optimistic about my chances this year and if I get a good mix of breeze anything is possible."

Earlier this year Alisha won the Australian Youth Nationals in Tasmania, Sail Melbourne and two trips to Auckland netted her first in the girls division and second in the boys division.

Off the water Alisha has received invaluable support from local sponsors who include " Coastwide, Readymix, Illawarra Yacht Club, Zhik Wetsuits, CFMEU, Style Attack and Waples Marketing. Kawalla also received a $1,000 Wests Illawarra Youth Achievement Award.