A BRIEF HISTORY OF MY THROWING:

I have been competing in the throwing events since I moved to Perth in 2001. My Mum took me to Little Athletics where I began as an under-10, and straight away I loved the throwing events. Even though I started the season very late (in January) my throws were good enough for me to qualify for the State Championships where I placed 8^th in the 400g javelin and 750g discus and 4^th in the 2kg shot put.

Every year I improved with my throwing and in November 2003 I competed at the Western Australian All Schools Championships where I won gold in the under-13 400g javelin and 750g discus and bronze in the under-14 3kg shot. Even though I was only 12 I qualified to compete in Brisbane (December) at the IGA National All Schools Championships in the under-14 division I was placed 15^th in the 1kg discus, 5^th in the 400g javelin and 9^th in the 3kg shot. My Mum and coach were very proud.

As well as doing Little Athletics I also do the Senior competition (Strive). I do this every weekend – mostly competing against people 2 – 10 years older than me. Once in a while a girl my age would come along and compete. Every weekend during the athletics season I compete every Saturday and Sunday.

Even when the athletic season is over for the year I still continue to with my training. My coach for about 3 years  Ed Neimanis – a well-known throws coach, however he became ill so I now am coached by Lindsay Glass. I train every week, my Mum drives me 45-50mins to Perry Lakes so I can train. My training is very important; I am being taught strength exercises so I can get stronger and more agile, so that my throwing will improve. It is hard work, but I love it.

As well as throwing I also do weightlifting - I train with a group in Armadal (about 15 - 20mins from home). I try to get there twice a week. I originally started this so I could improve my strength, however I really enjoy it and am looking forward to competing in up coming weightlifting events.

Even though I train so much I still manage to do all of my school work (and homework) and I was recently moved into a higher Maths class because of my improved marks – my Mum always checks to make sure I get all my homework in because she says it is important to do well at school and I supposed she should know because she is a teacher.

As well as my schooling and training I am also learning the clarinet (I have played an instrument since I was 6 years old) and I for about 3 years was a member of the Australian Youth Choir. I am also teaching myself to play the clarinet. During winter I also play soccer. Recently I got a part time job at a local restraunt (this helps pay for my trips too).Sometimes it does get a bit hard and I do get tired, but I love what I do and don’t want to become a couch potato and do nothing.

I have competed at a national level since the age of 12 - I love going inter state to compete. I have done ok so far, winning a bronze at the Pacific School games (13/14 girls shot) and a bronze at the All Schools National Championships (U15 and U16 Shot).

It is very difficult competing in my sport, there is very little support as it is not high profile, especially in Western in Australia. My Mum works very hard trying to fundraise for the costs of my trips, uniforms and training. She is always coming up with different ways to raise money, as well as selling on ebay she sells chocolates and making jewellery to try to raise money. My Mum is wonderful, she is a single Mum who works full-time, looks after me, takes me to training and competitions and fundraises for me, and she always has time to help me when I need it.

Ashleigh xxx