For local female athlete Zina Jones, sports have become a way of life.

Driven by a relentless passion to excel, this incredible athlete continues to immerse herself in almost every sport known to womankind.

Whether it be cycling, jogging, competing in triathlons, playing hockey, golf, bowling, basketball, tennis or football, 42 year-old Jones continues to be a shining example for younger peers both male and female alike.

If ever there were a crown for the undisputed queen of local sport, it?s almost a sure a bet this Bailey?s Bay resident would be among the heirs to the throne.

And Jones makes it no secret where her athleticism derives from, as her father just happens to be none other than former Southampton Rangers footballer and well-known local golf pro, Eardley Jones.

?I picked up the athleticism bit from my dad at a very young age when I attended primary school (Port Royal School). I used to play netball and also competed in track and field before I moved on to Sandy?s Secondary School,? Jones recalled.

At Sandy?s, Jones? thirst for competition intensified.

?Clive Long (former national coach) was my coach at the time and I also ran for Bermuda ? though I never competed in the Carifta Games,? said Jones, currently a member of Swan?s Running Club.

?I just enjoy sports and burning off energy. It really keeps me motivated and I?ve been doing it for so long now, it?s just kind of stuck with me.?

By the time Jones had reached 17, she would raise eyebrows by becoming one of the first female footballers to suit up on a men?s team at PHC Zebras.

In what has so far been a successful football career, Jones has played for Telecom, Zebras and presently resides at BISYS Royals.

?I really love speed and running. My body seems to crave for sport and I find it really difficult to standstill ? I have to keep moving,? she said.

?I?ve tried to slow down but it?s not that easy.?

The Wedco landscaper takes to the Island?s roads twice daily for a 20 minute leisure run on her lunch hours followed by a six mile jog after working hours.

And any thoughts of scaling back for the weekend are thrown out the window as Jones immerses herself in hockey with B Division team Orioles Police, football with her team mates at Royals and then of course her most cherished sport of all ? running.

?I don?t think I will stop competing in sport until my legs finally break down,? Jones continued with a smile.

?Sometimes I get bored and so sport helps to keep me occupied. Besides, I also enjoy the camaraderie among colleagues and opponents.?

Jones has also competed in various half marathons overseas in Puerto Rico, Atlanta and Las Vegas in the past and rates being voted Women of the Match following Royals? FA Cup win over PHC two years ago as one of her most memorable moments ever in sport.

?I feel in great shape and really I think my overall fitness level has gone up,? she said. ?Actually I think it raises every year. If I get injured obviously my fitness level goes down but then once I recover, I just get a strong urge to burn off some steam.

?So I just keep at it and what I most strive for in sport is to the best that I can be in whatever sport I?m competing in.?