Luke Van Ratingen

BIOGRAPHY

After starting his athletics journey in Little Athletics, Luke van Ratingen recognises it would be his coach, Ben Liddy, from age 18 that would make him as an athlete. “Arriving to my first training session in 2020 I had no gear and absolutely no idea, yet discovering a coach who believed in me and helped me unlock my potential was a turning point in my journey.” Luke would need that support and belief as there have been career lows to negotiate while he delivered surprising highs.

A medallist in his late teens at the NSW All Schools, he joined Ben Liddy’s squad in 2020. At age 19 in 2021 he was a NSW open championships 400m semi-finalist and owned a best time of 47.47. After barely racing over the summer of 2021/22, his 2022/23 campaign would be in total contrast. He opened the season in October with a one second PB time of 46.59. After placing second in the Sydney Track Classic to American Fred Kerley, he went on to achieve one of the major surprises of the national championships, winning the 400m title in a PB 45.88.

Luke reflected on the win: “This victory was particularly special because in previous years injuries prevented me from showcasing my true potential. But this time, with sheer determination and countless hours of training, I managed to overcome all obstacles and claim the gold. It was an indescribable feeling, a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.”

The next day he jetted off to Germany to continue his study undertaking a year-long exchange program, pursuing a double degree in Business and International Studies at UTS. Unfortunately, while in the shape of his life in Europe he injured his hamstring twice, ending that season.

In pursuit of Olympic selection his 2023/24 season was terrific, running a PB 45.57, placing second at Nationals and winning the high points scoring Oceania title in June. But during this time, he had an ongoing niggling injury.

“I was battling a reoccurring, overuse stress fracture in my big toe sesamoid,” said Luke.

“I have had problems with it for a few years but in June (2024), when I was trying to qualify for Paris it was completely gone after my last race.”

That June race in Germany, where he equalled his PB, was a dramatic turning point for Luke. Not only was his Olympic campaign over but the long-term medical prognosis was grim.

“Two surgeons said I’d never run again.”

But over the two previous seasons Luke had shown glimpses of brilliance and was determined to return.

“My physio, Andrew Clark, developed this program which kind of slowly exposed my toes to different elements of the track. What we did was we slowly got out of the boot, walked, did a jog, did 100 metre reps and then worked our way up to the point where we were incorporating bends and then the final aspect – spikes,” said Luke.

After eight months of rehabilitation and building up his training, he started his 2025 season in late March clocking 47.86 in the 400m heats of the State Championships. Then 24 hours later he stunned the field in the final, and himself, clocking 45.64 to win the final. As he crossed the line, there was a release of emotion of what he had endured over the last few years and particularly eight months.

“As I crossed the line I started screaming because I had expected to run a 47 and I somehow ran 45. I’m just stoked, and a little bit confused to be honest.”

His focus switched immediately.

“I wasn’t planning any of this I was and tossing up whether or not I should run nationals or not because I thought the three races in a row would cook me and I just don’t have the fitness.”

He would go on to place 3rd at the Australian Championships in 45.64. A month later he was selected for his second World Relays, where he assisted the Australian men and mixed 4x400m relay teams qualify for the 2025 world championships. He was on the mixed relay which set an Australian record and he also claimed his first global medal – silver. He setup the performance with a brilliant 45.10 lead-off leg.

Education: Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, International Management, University of Technology Sydney (Mar 2020 – Jun 2025) & University of Cologne (Apr 2023 – Feb 2024)…Occupation: Associate at Pacific Equity Partners…Hero: For a long time, I had a very awkward running style where I was hunched over. So, I looked up to Michael Johnson where his unconventional, upright posture somehow resonated with my own awkward hunch, helping me to embrace my unique form and learn to work…Biggest challenge faced: Learning to embrace the grind while listening to my body has been an ongoing battle. Injuries are an unfortunate reality, and everyone has had their fair share, but for me pushing through pain was my badge of honour, until it became the reason I spent so much time off the track. Now, every subtle niggle has become a warning and a chance to correct a weakness to stay on the track…Sporting career highlight: Winning nationals in 2023. This came after deciding to postpone my year abroad in Germany and overcoming a serious injury shortly thereafter, which made the achievement that much better…Hobbies: surfing…Advice you your younger self: Technique matters, but don’t be afraid to be unique: Don’t blindly copy others. Every runner has their own style. Focus on efficient mechanics, but don’t be afraid to embrace what makes you unique. It might just be your winning tactic.

@ 8 September 2025 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au