Ella Nelson: Australia’s Sprint Star and Inspirational Mentor

Ella Nelson (born May 10, 1994) is a retired Australian sprinter who specialized in the 200 meters. Renowned for her explosive speed and resilience, she represented Australia at the Olympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, leaving an indelible mark on Australian athletics.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Nelson’s athletic journey began in Sydney, where her talent for sprinting emerged in her teens. By 2010, she competed internationally at the World U20 Championships in Moncton, Canada, finishing 16th in the 200m (24.06) and seventh in the 4x100m relay. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her future success.

Breakthrough and National Dominance

Nelson rose to prominence in 2014, claiming her first Australian National 200m Championship—a title she defended in 2015 and 2016. Her dominance earned her the sixth-fastest 200m time in Australian history (22.50).

Key Performances:

• 2014 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Placed 13th in the 200m (23.50) and fifth in the 4x100m relay (44.21).

• 2016 Rio Olympics: Ran a personal best of 22.50 in the 200m semifinals, narrowly missing the final by 0.01 seconds and finishing ninth overall.

• 2017 World Championships (London): Competed in the 200m (24.02) and 4x400m relay (3:30.31).

Technical Mastery and Training

Nelson’s success stemmed from her explosive starts and technical precision. Under coach Stuart McMillan at ALTIS in Arizona, she refined her sprint mechanics and race strategy. Her training emphasized incremental improvements, encapsulated in her mantra: “Get a little better every day.”

Challenges and Resilience

Nelson battled injuries, including a hamstring setback in 2016, yet returned stronger for the Rio Olympics. Her mental fortitude and dedication to recovery protocols kept her competitive at elite levels.

Legacy and Impact

• National Records: Ranked sixth all-time among Australian women in the 200m.

• Awards: Received the 2016 ‘One to Watch’ award at the Women’s Health I Support Women in Sport ceremony, alongside icons like Kim Brennan and Layne Beachley.

• Mentorship: Co-founded Shooting Stars Academy (2018) with Anneliese Rubie, empowering young female athletes through training camps focused on resilience and goal-setting.

Post-Retirement Pursuits

Nelson retired in January 2021 but remains influential:

• Education: Earned a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) and studied nutrition and media.

• Advocacy: Promotes women’s sports and healthy lifestyles via social media (@ellanelson200) and public speaking.

• Media and Branding: Collaborates with brands like PUMA and shares her journey through blogs, highlighting coffee culture and travel.

Conclusion

Ella Nelson’s career epitomizes perseverance and versatility. From Olympic tracks to mentoring the next generation, she continues to inspire athletes worldwide. Her story underscores the power of resilience, making her a enduring figure in Australian sports history.

Follow Ella’s post-athletics journey on Instagram (@ellanelson200) and through Shooting Stars Academy.

Go Ella!