THROUGH adversity comes great resolve.
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Launceston netballer Kelsie Rainbow has spent the past two years on the sidelines recovering from patella tendinopathy.
It is a long time for any athlete to be out of action, but for an eager 19-year-old aspiring to greater things it feels like an eternity.
However, good things come to those that wait and Rainbow has been selected in a 24-strong squad to represent Australia at an under-20 international series against New Zealand and England in Canberra come August.
The Melbourne-based university student was picked primarily on her performance as Tasmanian captain at the under-21 championships at the Silverdome in March.
“I am really excited, it is such a good opportunity,” the former Cavaliers star said.
“My knee injury has been a nagging issue that stretched out to something that has taken me a long-time to recover from.
“I have fully recovered and I am officially out of rehab – my knee is in a really good place.
“I play in the Victorian Netball League for the Monash University Storm and am a training partner for Vic Fury and am going to some Vixens training as well.”
The former Winnaleah District High and Scotch Oakburn College student is the first Tasmanian to be selected for a pathway squad since Rachael Knight in 2006.
Rainbow, who is studying nutritional science, said her selection opened up a whole range of opportunities.
”Being a part of a national pathway you get more exposure and just the whole experience of going to the AIS and showcase what I have got is great – it’s such an exciting time,” the mid-courter explained.
She said it was going to be a tough road to be selected for next year’s youth world cup in Africa, but that is remain her goal.
“There’s such a long time between now and when that team is selected so I just have to take this opportunity and see what it brings,” Rainbow said.
Australian coach Tania Obst said Rainbow had been impressive since her return.
Obst said Rainbow had been on talent scouts’ radars since 2012.
“With her knee injury we haven’t been able to see her at the national championships so it was really pleasing to see her back on the court in Launceston.
“She plays a very mature centre and wing attack game and is very solid with her decision making and skills, which are significant attributes,” Obst said.
“August is a chance for athletes to display their skills and push their case for higher honours.”
Corey Martin
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
