“I want to be the most successful female shot putter Great Britain has ever seen.” | Amelia Strickler

Why the shot put?

I started throwing when I was about 10 years old. I signed up for the team and on the first day the coach made us all try out every event and I was better than everyone at the shot put. So I kept at it and was winning all the competitions. Winning is always fun! 

What’s your mission for 2020?

The Olympics of course. Last Olympic year I was so injured and it was heart breaking to not be able to try for Rio especially because I was close to the standard. So, that is the big goal but I also have a lot of other smaller goals like being British Champion again. 

Who’s your shot put / field sport hero and why?

I’d say Valerie Adams. She’s probably the best ever and at one point didn’t lose a single competition for over a year! Her personal best of 21.24m is the best throw by any woman for a long time. When I started throwing I always wanted to be like her. 

Does the shot put & field sports generally get the credit it deserves in athletics?

No the field events really don’t get the attention or credit like the running does. It honestly hurts and I wish there was a way to change it. They’re even cutting some field events from the Diamond League which is the main circuit for athletes. Maybe by throwing far I can help get the interest of the U.K. in to the event. 

Is there enough funding for athletes? 

Not for field events. There’s a lot of funding for track events and relay athletes and it’s upsetting knowing that you’re ranked higher in the world than some people that are on funding simply because they are potential for a relay. But for the field athletes there’s no relay it’s just our event. 

What’s your own experience been like?

I personally have not been on funding. But I’m hopeful once I go to the Olympics that will change. 

Who would your ideal commercial partner be and why?

I have been wearing Adidas for a long time since I was at Miami University (Ohio). I really like that they have started using more plus-size models because not every athlete fits a skinny figure. I also really like that they are making clothing and shoes from recycled materials because being environmentally friendly is important to me. That being said I am open to working with any company that is focused on fitness and health because ‘health is wealth’ in my opinion. 

What’s you wider mission for your athletics career?

I want to be the most successful female shot putter Great Britain has ever seen. Also to inform people and young girls that bigger athletes are beautiful too, and worthy of being featured in ads and campaigns. I think as a society we think only the slender athletes are real athletes and this is not the case. Girls should feel like they can choose a sport they truly love and not a sport that is seen as “beautiful”. 

Who’s your sporting hero and why?

I’d have to say Serena Williams. She’s one of those athletes that has that intense focus and drive and is so good. She also speaks up on important issues about women in sport. It’s something that’s really important to me as a female athlete and I really admire her for all she does on and off the court. 

Professional sport is intense and full of highs and lows.  

What do you do to relax/get away from it all?

I really love films and music. I get really into films and it’s nice to just not think about throwing 24/7. One of my favourite films is Hot Fuzz. I also love painting my nails before every competition which is a great way to relax. 

What’s the best and worst part of being a professional athlete?

Worst part is being away from my family. I’m really close to my mother but don’t see her as much as I want to because I’m constantly training and competing. The best is being able to travel and experience so many amazing stadiums all over the world. There’s something so special about walking into a packed stadium with fans cheering loud and competing in that atmosphere.