Coventry University sports scholar Alessia carries the Olympic flame to the Winter Games in Italy

Carrying the torch was an unbelievable experience for me. It was incredible especially as an athlete myself, it just means so much to me. There were so many people cheering and clapping me, taking their pictures with me - it was an emotional experience and I feel like I’m a part of the history of the Games now.

I applied to take part in the torch relay because I feel very passionately about raising the profile of female athletes and as someone studying sports journalism I also want to see more women represented in sports media. In my application I also talked about the challenges sports people can face, having to fit their training around their jobs or studies and the injuries they might have to overcome and the sacrifices they make.

I started doing athletics when I was five years old. I was a sprinter first but when I was about 14 or 15 I began specialising in the hurdles. My goal is to compete at the LA Olympics in 2028 - it is my dream.

Sport really is my passion and I would love to become a sports reporter or sports presenter in the future. I have already had the chance to report from a major ski event and wearing that media pass felt fantastic.

I’m really enjoying the sports journalism course here in Coventry. It’s very practical which was just what I was looking for and you get a broad experience with a number of different sports. I chose to come to Coventry University specifically for the course and because of the high-quality sports coaching in the area.

Alessia Gentilini