Libbie Joyce – Future Star and Sporting Icon nominee

Libbie Joyce – Future Star and Sporting Icon nominee

At the age of just 18 Libbie Joyce is training to become a world champion in two sports, coaches juniors and last year became Race Director for the first Spartan Kids European Championships.

Libbie, from Lichfield, has juggled her sporting commitments alongside completing sixth form despite being told at the start of high school that she may not pass any qualifications due to her severe dyslexia.

What began as a childhood passion at the age of eight quickly became a platform for Libbie to inspire others. She has spent years helping juniors enter the world of obstacle racing, acting as a mentor, motivator and role model to countless young athletes.

Libbie became the first ever British Junior Champion, followed by the title of Spartan European Champion and at just 14 years old she stepped into the elite racing category, competing against adults at the highest level.

Now at 18 she races at global elite level in Spartan and has earned a place on Team UK for Skyrunning for the past two years, representing her country at the World Championships.

Libbie volunteers as a coach for children, nurturing the next generation of athletes. Last year she became the Race Director for the first Spartan Kids European Championships and this year she has stepped into the role of Junior Race Director for DEKA, continuing to shape and elevate youth participation in the sport. She is also the captain for the UK Spartan team.

Libbie has been nominated in the Future Star and Sporting Icon categories of the Your Heroes Awards by her proud mum, Katie Joyce.

Katie said: “Libbie is one of the most dedicated, inspiring and quietly trailblazing young athletes the UK has produced in obstacle racing and mountain running.

“What makes Libbie’s journey even more remarkable is the adversity she has overcome. Libbie is severely dyslexic and was predicted not to pass any exams when she started high school. Through sheer determination and balancing intense training with her studies she not only passed her exams but stayed on for sixth form. She has proven that barriers can be broken with resilience, belief and relentless effort.

“Her impact extends far beyond her own racing career. Libbie is now training to become a world champion in two sports, all while uplifting others, giving her time freely and showing young people and especially those with learning challenges that nothing is out of reach.

“Libbie embodies what it means to be a Sporting Icon: talent, humility, leadership, resilience and a commitment to inspiring others. Her achievements are extraordinary, but her character is what truly sets her apart.

“This last year been even harder with losing her coach to cancer. Jack was only 36 but she’s still trying and still keeps going for what they have started. She is a role model not just for young athletes but for anyone who has ever been told they can’t.”

Libbie has just completed BTEC qualifications in science, sport and media and hopes to combine a job in sports coaching alongside her own training and competing.

She said: “It’s my love of the sport and having the opportunity to be around people competing at different levels that keeps me going.

“It’s really, really exciting that I’ve been nominated for a Your Heroes Award.”