Right here in Lucas ten-year-old Sophie is quietly making her mark in the world of race walking. She’s not one to boast, but her achievements speak volumes. After less than a year in the sport, she’s already competed at the national level, going up against older and more experienced athletes from across Australia.
Sophie first discovered race walking through Lucas Little Athletics. Kerrie, a coach from the Ballarat Race Walking Club, was teaching a racewalking session and noticed Sophie’s natural style. In race walking, technique is everything and if you don’t have it down pat you risk disqualification. Sophie explains that one foot must always be in contact with the ground, and a straight leading leg. It’s a sport that demands precision and discipline, and Sophie seems to have taken to it with quiet determination.
Sophie’s younger sister Olivia is already showing promise too, though she’s not old enough to compete yet. It seems race walking might run in the family.
She trains regularly with Kerrie, Olivia and her friend Bowie, practicing around Lake Wendouree, Victoria Park, Llanberris and Grange Park in Lucas where she walks rings around her Dad. These local tracks have become familiar ground, and she’s had her share of memorable moments, including spotting a kangaroo mid-walk and watching dogs chase each other while she tried to stay focused on her stride. Her training sometimes includes a mix of running and walking, and she once found herself using race walking arms while running and vice versa, which sounds like brain gym!
Beyond race walking, Sophie is a regular at Lucas Little Athletics and also swims. The community at Lucas is tight-knit – everyone pitches in, and Sophie’s mum Nicole has even taken on the role of secretary. The club kicks off again on October 10th, and Sophie will be there, ready to walk her way into another season.
Sophie has made new friends through race walking, including Bowie, and she recommends the sport to other kids who might be curious. She believes it’s fun and worth trying. Her attitude toward competition is refreshingly relaxed. She’s not chasing medals or fame. She just enjoys the walk.
With local race walking legends like Olympians Jared and Rachel Tallent involved in the Ballarat Race Walking Club, there’s plenty of inspiration close to home. And while Sophie may not say much about her future in the sport, her steady stride and quiet confidence suggest she’s already on a path worth following.
Find out more about race walking at Ballarat Race Walking Club or join Lucas Little Athletics Centre ready for the 2025/2026 Summer Season
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