Champion Hills Athlete Alex Hulley Retires

Alex Hully, Australia’s outstanding hammer thrower for more than 14 years, has made the tough decision to retire due to spinal injuries. Alex, 27, also gave up on her dream of competing in the 2028 LA Games.

The powerful Rouse Hill athlete dominated junior, state and Australian hammer throwing with stunning performances in Australia, Commonwealth, Youth Olympics, Pacific Games, and other international events. Her greatest achievement was winning silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

For many years, I have followed Alex’s astounding career, which included a Commonwealth Games silver medal, 11 consecutive NSW state crowns, three All Australia All School championships and the U16, U18 and U20 national records.

“At first, and still, it (retirement) is a very emotional and hard decision to make because of all the success I have had and hammer is a massive part of my life, and always will be,” Alex said. “I have had time to reflect on my amazing achievements throughout my career and the decision is sitting a little easier with me, however, still difficult.

“I am looking forward to some new challenges and experiences that come my way in the next few years.

“It was not an easy decision and took about a year for me to properly decide I was not going to continue throwing. I had not been able to train for one year due to my back injury.”

Asked what was her biggest thrill, Alex said: “I think definitely winning the silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast was my best achievement.

“It was my highest placing at an open international event and my first senior championships! It was also made even more special by having my family and friends there with me.”

Ranked fourth on the all-time Australian hammer throwing list, Alex praised her close-knit family and coaches Bre Clement and Karyne ‘Kaz’ Di Marco for their support.

“My Mum Louise, Dad Matt, sister Georgia and extended family backed me since day one and provided emotional, physical and financial support,” Alex said.

Alex, a qualified occupational therapist, is taking a break away from athletics to focus on her career while spending more time with friends and family.

“I may plan to take up some coaching in the future but for now I am enjoying a nice break from athletics.”

She is an Australian representative on the Oceania Athletes Commission and will help develop athletics in Australia and other Oceania countries. “I feel I have a good amount of experience from my years to be able to contribute positively to the sport,” she said.

“My coaches, Bre and Kaz, have been my rocks for the last 14-15 years of my life. They have supported me each day through good times and bad times. They have made turning up to training every day fun and enjoyable and have known when to challenge me to become not only a better athlete but a better person too.”

ALEX HULLEY’S ROLL OF HONOUR

2014 Youth Olympics: Silver Medal

2016 World U20 Championships: Silver Medal

2018 Commonwealth Games: Silver Medal

2022 World Championships: 17th Place

2022 Commonwealth games: Sixth place

Australian Open Champion: Five Years

Australian record holder of U16, U18, and U20 national records.