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BIOGRAPHYA very talented sprinter through her teenage years Kristie Edwards regularly won National medals. She combined her athletics with State-level netball, but at age 16 decided to concentrate on athletics. After debuting in the green and gold at the 2018 World U20 Championships, she remained at the same level as she transitioned to a senior athlete and negotiated the challenging pandemic years. At the end of 2021, now in Brisbane, she broke through as a senior athlete and in 2023 with selection in two National teams – World University Games and World Championships. In her Australian team senior debut at the World Uni Games in China, Kristie was terrific running three quality rounds placing fifth in the final in 23.54 after a 23.48 semi. She was a regular on the National 4x100m relay team competing in five countries. Highlights were two Diamond League runs, 5th at London and 3rd in Zurich where they clocked a season best of 43.21 – the 7th fastest in Australia history. Unfortunately, at the world championships the team did not finish. + + + + + Aged eight Kristie Edwards had obvious talent, placing third in the NSW State PSSA Championships in her joggers. “After that I thought I kind of like this athletics thing, so I joined Little Athletics at Manly Warringah the next year.” By 13 she won the National All Schools 200m in an impressive time of 24.52. Through her teenage years she improved each year in the 100m and 200m, and won many National medals. A State-level netballer, she decided to close that part of her sporting life in 2016. The 2017/18 season would be her best so far. In December 2017, she won the nationals schools sprint double in PB times of 11.79 and 24.03. Three months later at the Commonwealth Games trials she finished an excellent fourth in the 100m. In March she was second in the 100m at the U20 Championships/ Trials and was named in the 4x100m relay for Tampere, Finland. The relay placed an excellent 7th in the final and broke the Australian junior record. In 2021 she moved to Brisbane and by the end of the year she had made a breakthrough in her times, down to 11.55 (100m) and 23.17 (200m). In 2022 she consolidated her new level, then in 2023 there was more progress in the 100m particularly, with a best of 11.44. Also in 2023 she ran on some quick Australian relay teams clocking mid-43 second times. In August she made her Australian senior debut at the 2023 World University Games in China, where she placed 5th in the 200m final. She was also named in the 4x100m relay on the Australian team for the Budapest World Championships. Most influential person in your career: My parents - I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done to help me get to where I am now…Hobbies: Gardening, reading, going to the beach and spending time with friends and family…Goals: Enjoy the journey…Most memorable sporting moment: Running the in the 4x100m relay at the London Diamond League this year with the girls. It was surreal to run in front of 50,000 people at the London Olympic Stadium. Also, I loved competing at the FISU World Uni Games in Chengdu - the whole experience will be one I never forget…Benefits of sport: In recent years, I have been fortunate to compete in many countries across the globe. I love that Athletics has allowed me to travel to some unique places and meet so many people…Occupation: Student/Sport Assistant at Emmanuel College, Gold Coast…Education: University of Technology Sydney - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (2021) and Charles Sturt University - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (2nd year in 2024)...Hero: Melinda Gainsford-Taylor…Advice to your young self: Be grateful…Other sports played at a high level: Netball and Surf Lifesaving…What's the biggest challenge you've faced: Moving to the Gold Coast and away from my family and friends in Sydney was a huge step outside my comfort zone. Although, I believe it has allowed me to become more confident in myself. @ November 2023 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au |