Travels From Western Australia
Speaker Topics
From Paddock to Pitch - How a country girl became an Olympian.
RUOK - Resilience and finding happiness in a high pressure elite program.
Throw like a Girl - The growth of women's sport and broadcast.
Train the brain - Building belief as an athlete.
Ashleigh Nelson
Australian Olympian, Media Personality, and Passionate Advocate for Women in Sport
Ashleigh Nelson is a former Australian Olympian, dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and one of Australia’s most accomplished hockey players, with over 200 international games to her name. A prolific striker for the Hockeyroos, Ashleigh’s career spanned over a decade, during which she earned recognition as the Australian Women’s Hockey Team’s highest goal scorer. Her notable achievements include becoming a dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and being selected for two World Cups and the 2012 London Olympics.
After retiring from international hockey in 2017, Ashleigh transitioned into the media, becoming a highly regarded sports journalist and broadcaster. She can currently be seen working with Network 10 and ABC Radio, where she covers local and international sports with her trademark energy, enthusiasm, and deep insight into elite competition. Ashleigh's expertise in sport and her engaging storytelling have made her a highly sought-after commentator and public speaker, with a focus on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Her dynamic style and ability to connect with audiences have made her a regular presence at corporate events, conferences, and youth engagement initiatives.
Beyond her athletic career, Ashleigh is also passionate about using her platform to inspire others, particularly women in sport. As an RUOK ambassador, she regularly speaks to young people about understanding the pressures of high performance and finding a deeper sense of purpose. Her work aims to empower the next generation of athletes, encouraging them to push past their limits and embrace new challenges with courage and determination.
Raised in rural Western Australia, Ashleigh’s journey from playing hockey at the age of five to becoming an Olympian exemplifies the power of perseverance and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. A former Head Girl at Santa Maria College and a graduate of Curtin University with a degree in Occupational Therapy, Ashleigh embodies the values of hard work, discipline, and leadership; values she continues to instil in others through her speaking engagements and media work.
Whether as a broadcaster, speaker, or mentor, Ashleigh Nelson is driven by a deep passion for sport, a commitment to personal growth, and a desire to see others reach their full potential. Nothing excites her more than watching women succeed in sport and life, striving to be the best in the world.