Stephanie Ratcliffe looks to senior competition after state hammer throw title

RISING athletics star Stephanie Ratcliffe has her sights set on competing at the open-age national championships for the first time later this year.

Doncaster East athlete Stephanie Ratcliffe came third in the under-20 women’s hammer throw at the Australian Junior Championships in Sydney last month. Picture: David Crosling

A RISING star of athletics has her sights set on competing at the open-age national championships for the first time later this year.

Doncaster Secondary College’s Stephanie Ratcliffe ranks last year’s Oceania Championships under 18 hammer throw gold medal as her crowning glory so far but is excited about the challenge of taking on senior competition.

Ratcliffe started in Doncaster’s Little Athletics when she was five, trying her hand at as many running, jumping and throwing events as she could.

But over the years it was the throwing events proved to be Ratcliffe’s forte.

Ratcliffe competed at the Victorian open and junior athletics championships in February, coming first in the open hammer throw, third in the open shot-put, first in the junior discus, and second in the junior hammer and shot-put events.

Stepping up to national junior competition this month, the 17-year-old claimed third in the hammer throw to round off a strong season.

“I couldn’t get a personal best but it was still a great experience to compete against the other girls and end up with a bronze medal,” she said.

Further national representation and the dream of an Olympic or Commonwealth Games appearance are also in her sights.

“I’ve just got to stay focused, keep training and competing, and learning something new every time,” Ratcliffe said.

Stephanie Ratcliffe is a 2018 Leader Local Sports Star Junior Nominee. CLICK HERE to nominate someone in your community. Thanks to our sponsor partners Sportsmart and Gold 104.3.