Olympian Ellia Green puts us through her paces

We caught up with the grounded Olympian, Optus ambassador and Rugby 7s super-star to see how she keeps the energy up at home. 

It would be easy to underestimate Ellia Green. Not on the field, obviously – you would have to be blind to overlook her Olympic Gold in Rio and highly storied triumphs, now the stuff of legend.

No, it’s because that underneath the champion façade of a world-class competitor, is a regular young person who loves playing guitar, fried chicken, hip hop, and swapping headlines from the Betoota Advocate for a laugh.

We caught up with Ellia, an Optus ambassador, to see how a little positivity is helping to keep her spirits and fitness up. 

Hi Ellia, great to talk to you.

Thanks! You too.

How’re you holding up?

It’s all been a bit of a confusing time. And not just for me, but for the whole world, really. It’s been a shock to have the Olympics postponed until 2021, but I’ve still got my eyes on that goal. I’m not giving up.

Has it thrown out your training? Is it going to be difficult to keep your fitness up?

It hasn’t really been a problem. I found out [about the postponement] in the middle of my rehab for a foot injury that needed surgery, and my recovery time was going to be very close to the Olympics. So, I guess I’ve got more time to get my body back to where it was.

So, is that a bit of a silver lining for you then?

It’s not ideal for everyone. But it’s not the worst thing for me in terms of having more time to recover.

I see you’re quite famous for scoring an 80 meter try in a Rugby 7s match…

Ha. That try’s kind of haunted me, because if you hear the commentary, they pretty much say in that exact moment – “When she actually learns how to play the game, she’ll be incredible”.

Ha! That’s a bit of a backhand.

Yeah, ha ha – but it was a moment to remember and a turning point in my career, because it gave me a bit of confidence to move forward with my training.

Are you staying connected with the team? Are you keeping touch with your coaches and teammates and supporting each other?

We’re definitely keeping in close contact. We have a group chat – we have players chat and a separate chat for staff and coaches that we update every day. The girls are sending through what they’re doing for training in isolation on Instagram.

Are your coaches still managing your training and fitness?

Oh, I have a program. I still do my schedule every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I took all my equipment home so I could train in the park - I actually really enjoy training on my own, coming from a sprinting background.

And for fun?

We’re lucky we’ve got all those social channels at our disposal – the girls have been using that house party app too, actually…

Have you been using it to party?

I haven’t jumped on it yet because I don’t know how to use it, but I know they have, ha ha.

What’re your favorite Instagram accounts?

I do have a laugh at The Betoota Advocate.

Ha. That’s great. Can you drop your favorite headline?

I did laugh at the one they did about Bondi Beach… Did you see that?

Yes! I loved that one. They followed it up with one about St Kilda too.

Ha ha ha they have no filter. They always say what everyone’s thinking… I do laugh at that.

What’re you watching at the moment? Bingeing anything good?

Well, I’m not really much of a movie person. But I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube, like guitar tutorials and music videos and stuff. I’m trying to become a better dancer too… I’m definitely more interested in that than watching TV.

I basically play music 24/7. Whenever my friends come over, that’s what we do. I write songs too.

Do you sing?

Not really. I’m a better rapper - I write rap.  

Awesome. Who’re your favourite rappers?

Probably J.Cole - he’s very clever. As for old school, probably Tupac, and my favorite female rapper is Lil Kim.

Well, you can’t go much better than any of them. Just before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say? Is there a message you’d like to get out there?

Stay positive, keep helping everyone where you can. Act with love. I think this time has really brought out the kindness in people in a lot of ways.

I notice when I take my dog across to the park, people are really acknowledging each other. I find that people are being kinder in general… If there’s anything positive to take out of this situation, that could be it.

Aw, that’s great. Thanks again, Ellia! It’s been awesome talking to you.

You too!

For more inspiration and stories of Optimism, read more on Hype.