In our RT Snap Q&A series, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the world’s best runners, delving into their extraordinary journeys, celebrating their achievements, and exploring the unwavering dedication that defines their careers.
Ellie Beer
- Born: January 3, 2003
- Nationalality: Australian
- Middle-distance runner, specializing in the 400m sprint
Born into a family with a strong athletics background, Ellie began her athletic journey at Gold Coast Little Athletics and Currumbin Surf Club, where she dominated state and national beach sprints. By age 14, she had already clocked an impressive 54.83 in the 400m, showing early signs of her sprinting prowess. Ellie’s breakthrough came in 2019 when, at just 16, she made her senior international debut at the World Relays, contributing to Australia’s fifth-place finish in the 4x400m relay final. That same year, she became the youngest Australian selected for the World Championships, helping the relay team qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Ellie’s rise continued with her selection for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she split 51.85 seconds in the 4x400m relay, as the team finished seventh in their heat. Domestically, she consistently ranked among the top 400m sprinters in Australia, taking second place behind Bendere Oboya in the national championships. In 2022, Ellie claimed her first national senior title and placed seventh in the 400m final at the World U20 Championships, solidifying her position as a leading figure in Australian sprinting. Her performances were a testament to the patient and carefully structured coaching she received from Brett Robinson, who has been guiding her development since she was young.
Ellie’s 2024 season has been particularly remarkable, highlighted by a series of personal bests, culminating in a 51.59-second 400m at the national championships. This marked her as one of Australia’s top 400m runners ahead of the Paris Olympics. She also played a key role in the national 4x400m relay team, running two sub-51-second splits at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas. Despite narrowly missing automatic Olympic qualification, Ellie’s consistent improvement and dedication signal a bright future for her in the sport.
Personal Bests
- 4×400 Metres Relay – 3:28.05
- 300 Metres – 37.79
- 4×100 Metres Relay – 46.90
- 100 Metres – 11.90
- 400 Metres – 51.47
- 200 Metres – 23.60
- 100 Metres – 11.94
- 4×400 Metres Relay Mixed – 3:17.12
RT: At just 16, you became the youngest Australian ever selected for the World Championships. How did you handle the pressure at such a young age?
Ellie: My first experience on the international stage was in Yokohama, Japan at the 2019 World Relay Championships at age 16 and was just an amazing experience. I felt so privileged to start in the girls 4x400m relay and it really inspired me to keep going to wear the green and gold again. With the World Championships in Doha, Qatar the same year, I got my second opportunity and again it was an amazing experience. Honestly, I felt more support than pressure running on the world’s biggest stage as I was lucky to experience my international debut alongside the girls. Being together during the whole process of warming-up, the call room and performing on the track, really helped settle my nerves. Of course, the nerves were definitely still there, but having the girls by my side made a huge difference in my performance and I am forever grateful for them helping me make that moment so special.
RT: What role has your family played in shaping your athletic career, especially since athletics runs in your family?
Ellie: I couldn’t be any more grateful to my family, not only for introducing me to sport but for everything they continuously do to support me in all my endeavours. Both mom and dad introduced me to sport initially through Surf Life Saving at Currumbin SLSC, as apparently, I was quite the runner from the time I could walk. I soon got involved in lots of different sports, discovering opportunities that led to meeting my best friends, meeting my coach Brett Robinson, to travelling the Australian countryside and then onto the world. My parents have played a huge role in forming the memories I have created so far in sports, with their continuous support both on the sidelines, travels across the world & being there whenever I need them. I am also very blessed to have a big family across both my parent’s sides, as well as close family friends who have always shown the best support in all my achievements. The #hereforthebeer family and friends crew are a regular fixture at many of my races, even decked out in support crew attire for those important meets! I am forever appreciative and grateful, for the support of my family and friend network.
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RT: You’ve had great success at a young age. Have you faced any setbacks or injuries that have tested your resilience?
Ellie: All the opportunities that I have experienced so far throughout my sporting career have been amazing, but I would say my biggest setback during all of this would honestly be my own self. I struggle with confidence especially as I have gotten older, from increased nerves behind the blocks, expectations and fears of what people may think of me to being super hard on myself both in social settings and track life. These feelings can all combine into my mindset, which can really affect my overall performance both in training and competitions and sometimes daily life. I would definitely say I’m still learning at improving in these areas as an athlete and person every day, through the help of surrounding myself with a great support crew.
RT: In 2024, you ran four consecutive PBs. What do you credit for this surge in performance?
Ellie: I credit my amazing support team for making this season one of the highlights of my sporting career so far. As much as athletics is considered an individual sport, I like to think it’s a team sport with the number of people who have supported me in achieving my dreams and goals not only this season but across my whole sporting career. I have had the privilege of meeting amazing individuals across my lifetime so far, and for that, I am so thankful and grateful for the support that I have received. There are too many people to name, but for those who have been involved in supporting my dreams, thank you to you all. I hope to give back to all of you one day 🙂
RT: What’s your typical training week like? How do you balance speed work, endurance, and recovery?
Ellie: Right now, I’m currently undergoing my pre-season training block, consisting of lots of hard sessions to build back my strength.
Whilst I do the majority of my track sessions followed by gym sessions throughout the week, alongside my amazing team Viking Athletics & coach, Brett Robinson, I make sure to equal that time with recovery. I love doing saunas and ice baths at RMC Recovery and Massage Centre, and make sure to keep my body in check with regular massages and visits to the world’s best physio, Josh Carter. I also do some extra strength work with weekly Pilates sessions with Elissa at I Got Your Back Pilates studio based also at my physio clinic, Surf Life Physio.
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Alongside balancing the hard training sessions and recovery, I always make sure to check in with my mind, as I know during this period there can be some tough sessions that can really challenge me mentally as well as physically. I’ve been very lucky enough to work with a psychologist Cam Gyss, who has been a massive help throughout my career so far.
With all these people in my corner, I couldn’t be any more grateful for their support. They are the ones who get me to and from the track, and I will always credit them for my successes.
RT: Competing on the world stage at such a young age must come with sacrifices. How do you manage life outside of athletics?
Ellie: Sally Pearson once said to me that she didn’t consider athletics a sacrifice, due to the fact that she loved what she was doing, and I couldn’t agree with her more. With all the experiences, memories and friends I have created and met through my sport, even from such a young age, I wouldn’t take back any of them and more so (like I’ve mentioned a million times), be grateful for all of them. Whilst my sport takes up a lot of my time, I always still catch up with friends and family. I am a sucker for coffee dates, my dad and I being the queen & king of them (sorry mum). I also love travelling down south to visit my boyfriend’s family, going to the beach with my dog, as well as back on the topic of going out for dinners and lunches with friends. Food is my world, I so love adventuring out to different cafes and restaurants for a good coffee and meal.
I also study at Griffith University, currently completing a Sports Development degree. I have a real desire to pursue a career outside running that involves helping people. This course allows me to discover opportunities that can help me achieve this and combine my love of sport and helping people. Most recently I have had the opportunity to be part of the Olympics Unleashed program which involves talking to primary schools about my Olympic journey and encouraging them to get involved in various opportunities both in and outside of sport.
I would honestly say I’m still learning the life-sport balance, and consistently will every day.
RT: Finally, what advice would you give to young athletes looking to pursue a career in sprinting?
Ellie: Dream big as they do come true and simply have fun.
It is so important in sport to never take the enjoyment aspect out, whilst working hard towards your end goal. I produced some of my best races by simply having fun, whilst also having an amazing support team that I built throughout my career that truly believed in myself as an athlete & person. It’s important to build those connections, take lots of opportunities & surround yourself with people who make you feel happier. I know I’m still learning to be better every day, but at the end of the day always make sure to back yourself, be a good human first and be kind to yourself and others.
