Ashley Spratt’s sporting success soars high

It was Ashley Spratt‘s unbounding energy that made people recognise talent to be proven not just on the sporting field.

27 August 2009

The 15 year old has excelled in athletics, the theatre and importantly as a leader for indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.

“Ashley is a great inspiration and role model for younger Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids and leads by example,” mum Natasha Nannup said.

“He keeps his sister motivated and encouraged as they train for the high jump together, and supports both of his sisters in netball.”

Ashley began little athletics as a six year old in the local Little Athletics Club.

Three years later he won his first silver medal in high jump at the Little Athletics State Championships and his success has soared ever since.

Ashley has represented WA at the 2008 Australia Cup, earning third place in the high jump, won gold and silver at the WA All Schools Champs and silver at the Pacific School Games in Canberra.

Flying high seems to suit Ashley. When not jumping records on the athletics field, he stilt walks for many large carnivals and events, as well as performing in traditional dance performances - Ashley was a lead dancer in the church scene of the film Bran Nue Dae.

Commitment to seeking the best in all he tackles led Ashley to be awarded the 2009 NAIDOC Awards Male Youth of the Year (12–16 years) and runner-up NAIDOC Sportsman of the Year on the same day.

“Ashley was extremely proud of being chosen for these awards, he’s receiving letters from people acknowledging his achievements which helps keep him motivated to strive for his goals, so it’s all been very exciting,” Ms Nannup said.

The list of achievements is long and set to grow. So what’s Ashley’s long term goal – the 2016 Olympics of course.