‘I’m an Olympian now’: How Sydney girl Ella Nelson became Australia’s new track darling

LOOK out, Michelle Jenneke. There’s a new face on the Olympic team winning the hearts of Australian viewers.

Ella Nelson checks the replay on the big screen in the Maracana after finishing her heat in second. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Move over Jiggling Jenneke, there’s a new Olympic athlete to melt Australian hearts.

Ella Nelson won through to the semi-finals of the 200m in Rio last night in what would have been a first introduction to many viewers.

The 22-year-old, from Sydney, has struggled with injuries but ran a magnificent race to qualify with a second-place finish.

Sydney's Ella Nelson in the Women's 200m qualifying event in Rio. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Ella Nelson in action. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Ella makes it through. Picture: Phil Hillyard

She overcame her niggling hamstring to run a stunning bend and record 22.66, the eleventh fastest time in the heats.

“Obviously coming off the bend and not tearing a hamstring is all the confidence I need, I’m so happy right now,” Nelson told reporters immediately after the race.

“I can call myself an Olympian. What a great day.

Sydneysider Ella enjoying the beach life. Picture: Instagram

Ella Nelson has 47,000 Instagram followers.

Ella Nelson hopes to make the finals. Picture: Instagram

“I haven’t raced since April, so coming in I was definitely under-raced, but that’s OK.

“I would have liked to have won that heat but I think it’s just getting that practice in and executing what I really need to do in the next round.

“Hopefully I can make this final.”

Ella has 47,000 Instagram followers and treats them to regular gym workout selfies, beach-life poses and more recently snaps from Brazil.

She also has a cheeky habit of poking her tongue out.

Sprinter Ella Nelson with hurdler Michelle Jenneke on the training track. Picture: Instagram

She trains under coach Michael Dooley and studies a Bachelor of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Wollongong.

Ella has had a great start to the 2016 season, despite the recurring hamstring niggle, winning the 2016 National 200m title.

Ella soaks up some sun. Picture: Instagram

Ella strikes a pose. Picture: Instagram

Ella Nelson on Instagram.

Ella Nelson at the beach.

In February she set a personal best time of 22.53, the fastest by an Australian woman since Melinda Gainsford-Taylor at the Sydney Olympics.

The semi-finals will take place tomorrow at 11.08am (Sydney time).

Ella with other Olympians party it up in Rio. Picture: Instagram

Originally published as ‘I’m an Olympian now’: How Sydney girl Ella Nelson became Australia’s new track darling