PERTH’S white-sand beaches are a long way removed from some of Europe’s most prestigious hockey fields, set in the continent’s most thriving cities.
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But for Warrnambool’s Madi Ratcliffe, the surf is a sanctuary away from the demands of life as an elite athlete.
Ratcliffe has found refuge in her lifelong hobby as she deals with the pressures of international travel and a strict training regimen as the national side gears up for the Commonwealth Games next April.
The 20-year-old – whose Commonwealth Games chances were boosted when she was included in the Hockeyroos 25-strong 2018 squad – is still waiting to discover her fate.
She said she was comfortable with life in Western Australia and was confident of securing a berth at the Gold Coast tournament.
“Over the last few years I’ve figured out what works for me and what doesn’t,” Ratcliffe said.
“In a team sport and environment, there’s going to be many things that work differently for all of us.
“I’m someone that when I’m not around hockey, I like to switch off completely and enjoy other things. Surfing allows me to have a little break and allows me to come back switched on, fire up and ready to go.”
Ratcliffe, a former Warrnambool College and Warrnambool Primary student, said her coaches supported her approach.
She revealed while the Commonwealth Games were a long-term goal, she hadn’t entertained the chance of playing a part for Australia until recently.
“I think at the start of my career I was just so stoked to be a part of it all,” Ratcliffe said.
“But now, I’m starting to realise if I want this, I can go far. The resources are there for me to use.
I’m someone that when I’m not around hockey, I like to switch off completely and enjoy other things. Surfing allows me to have a little break and allows me to come back switched on, fire up and ready to go.
- Madi Ratcliffe
“If I want to work hard, I’ll be given opportunities. Over the last year I’ve really enjoyed the program and I think I’ve matured in the way I play and act and I’ve got a lot out of myself.
“The (Commonwealth Games) is a massive goal for me at the moment and if I keep doing the right things hopefully I can put my best foot forward for selection.”
Ratcliffe, who is the youngest player in the Hockeyroos squad, said she was looking to undertake a leadership role in the squad after establishing herself as a regular in the first team.
“The girls are like my family, you spend a lot of time with them. The more you’re there, and the more you do, the more you respect each other,” she said.
“I’ve been given a leadership role this year, and that’s pretty challenging for me being the youngest.
“I feel really comfortable with the girls and with our coaches at the moment.
“I’m just really looking forward to next year and getting into it.”
