Judy Simmons was asked to step in as Bermuda Track and Field Association president nine years ago, a decision that has thrust her kicking and screaming into the spotlight.

The administrator admits she is proud to be one of the few women at the head of a non women-only sporting body but also reveals that her position has caused her some discomfort.

?I think I have received an unprecedented level of abuse in my role,? said Simmons, head of the BTFA since 1996, a position she reached after three years with the Bermuda Pacers Club on the executive.

?In my lifetime I have never seen a head of a sporting body given such a public profile and been the subject of so much criticism. I am a private person and this is not what I wanted, I just wanted to be able to do my bit as an administrator behind the scenes.

?I have never sought the limelight but that is something I have learned to live with.?

Simmons, who also serves internationally on regional governing bodies, will step down at this year?s AGM but is keen to see other women take prominent positions in Bermuda sporting life.

?Sport in Bermuda and around the world is very much a male-dominated arena,? continued Simmons, who served on the Women in Sport committee until she withdrew due to the commitment of hosting the Carifta games last year.

?I think it is hard for women to break into that. A lot of that is down to the time commitment that has to be made in these voluntary organisations and the conflict of that with family life.

?I am proud to say that I have a very supportive husband and without him I would never have been able to make the contribution I have.

?I suppose maybe I am a role model because of my very public profile, I think maybe I have shown women can be involved in top level administration, even if I haven?t always wanted to be in the spotlight.

?I hope when I stand down I can fade into the woodwork ? although that is probably unlikely now ? but I would like to see other women come forward and get involved in administration.

?Although it can involve a lot of sacrifices, it is very rewarding. I think the role of women can change, there are some very capable people out there and I would urge them to step up and make a difference.?