Valour Ambassador in Focus: Alex Hulley
Alexandra Hulley, Valour Ambassador and Sutherland local, was recently chosen to compete for Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Her selection was notable as for the first time in 18 years, Australia had a hammer thrower to compete at a senior global meet.
Growing Up
Alex began hammer throwing at the age of 13 when she was approached at a school carnival by her now coach, Breanne Clement, asking her to give it a try. Not knowing what it was, Alex tried it, was good at it and loved it. Alex grew up playing representative netball and did not focus solely on Athletics until the age of 16 when she qualified for the World Youth Championships in 2013.
The Athlete
From the time Alex decided to contrate on Athletics, her hammer throwing shone. Alex won 3 silver medals at international competitions and had a tremendous 2019/20 season, throwing a PB of 70.55m and defeating the 4-time US champion Gwen Berry.
Halted by COVID lockdowns and the inability to practice, Alex struggled with her journey, even losing confidence in her ability. Her determination to overcome this, led to an improved 2021/22 season resulting in a fourth national title and placing third at the Oceania Championships in June as well as being selected for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Alex says “I am much more resilient and have learnt to lean on my amazing support team…which has helped me to overcome challenges” According to Alex, the best part of competing in hammer throwing, in addition to the travelling and competing at a high level is her training squad. They are some of her best friends and provide her with the motivation to push through those hard days.
The most memorable moment of Alex’s athletic career to date was winning the silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, with a massive group of family and friends there to support her.
Advise for Aspiring Athletes
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring athletes, Alex says: “Keep things simple. The moment you start to overcomplicate things and place too much pressure on aspects of your training or the event, is the moment you lose interest in putting in the hard work needed to become a great athlete”
Valour Fit
Alex’s challenges and unwavering determination to overcome these, showcases her spirit and her willpower. These values along with the hard work she has continually put into her journey aligns her well with the Valour values.
When asked about her favourite Valour products, Alex says: “My favourite Valour Active products at the moment are the Time Out Embossed Crew – White Marle and the Active Iconic tees. The crew is my all-time favourite as it is made of the softest material and is super comfy to wear.”
Behind the Scenes
Apart from her rigorous training, Alex is an Occupational Therapist working 4 days a week in a community NDIS clinic. In her very limited spare time, she loves reading books, bingeing an addictive tv series, catching up with friends and spending time with her large extended family.
Alex is a role model to many; a reflection of how hard work, determination and belief can help you overcome hurdles and continue to progress. Her work within the community in addition to her training is admirable and Valour looks forward to seeing what the 22/23 season has in store for her.