Teen kettlebell lifter from Albury eyes international stage

Hope Chater had been watching her mother training with a kettlebell for years before she decided to «give it a crack» herself.

Three years later the 16-year-old Albury girl has secured a place on the Girevoy Sport Australia national team, which is set to compete in Portugal in June.

«It's incredible, I can't believe it,» Hope said.

«I didn't think I would end up here after three years of doing it.»

Hope will be required to complete a clean-and-jerk with one hand continuously over a 10-minute set, as well as take on a 30-minute set with a 16-kilogram kettlebell.

She will only be allowed to change hands once during that time.

The goal is to achieve as many reps as possible — but while that may sound simple, it requires more than just strength.

«You have got to have pretty good balance, and practising your technique is really important in order to make sure every single rep is going to be counted in competition,» Hope said.

For the past two years she has been competing against adults and is excited that a separate junior ranking table has been rolled out this year.

The sport is not funded in Australia, but it is under observer status with the Global Association of International Sports Federations and could eventually be considered for the Olympics.

Hope must fund her own travel, uniform, fees and costs associated with the competition in Portugal and is trying raise money online to cover the costs.

Her coach, Cheryl Schneider, has put out a call for residents to help Hope on her way to the international stage.

«Hope is the future of our sport in Australia and this will be a defining moment in her sporting career,» Schneider said.

«Watching her grow and develop as an athlete and make the Girevoy Sport Australia national team has been