Melissa Moon is a New Zealand athlete and motivational speaker. She recently took part in the Blue Planet Run, a relay raising awareness of the importance of clean water, covering more than 24,000 kilometres across 16 countries.

Her sporting achievements include:
• Two Time World Mountain Running Champion
• World Stair Racing Champion
• 21 New Zealand Athletic Titles
• 7 Time National Cross Country Champion
• 10 Time North Island Cross Country Champion
• NZ Sports Woman of the Year
• NZ University Sports Person of the Year
• Athletics NZ Athlete of the Year

Melissa left school at 16 after deciding it wasn’t for her. She headed to Europe, worked in pubs and as a nanny. When she returned to New Zealand at age 22 she took up running seriously and also set out to get some qualifications. She has now completed
• Masters in Business Studies (sports endorsed)
• Diploma in Teaching (Physical Education & Health and Special Education)
• Diploma in Sports Studies

She also takes time to volunteer with Project K, a mentoring programme for children and at a soup kitchen.

I think she is a great example for young women because, from being a young woman who didn’t know what she wanted to do in life, she has become an achiever in sport and community service, and a very motivated individual. As she says, “You’ve got to take yourself out of your comfort zone, or you’ll be kicking yourself when you’re 80.”

You can read more about Melissa here.