Barber's training regime includes five days of strength training each week, along with conditioning and water running. Her husband, Mike Barber, has been her personal coach since 2015. The couple met at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in 2014. They maintain a balance between their professional and personal lives by separating work time from home time.

Achievements and Challenges

Barber's career highlights include being named the 2019 Able-Bodied Female Athlete of the Year by Athletics Australia and Female Athlete of the Year at the 2019 Canberra Sport Awards. She became the first Australian to win a gold medal in javelin at a world championship during the 2019 event in Doha, Qatar.

However, her journey has not been without challenges. She missed the 2016 National Championships due to a stress fracture in her lower back and took time off at the end of the 2019 season because of a shoulder injury. In 2012, she tore a ligament in her elbow during a competition, ending her season prematurely.

Philosophy and Mindset

Barber believes in focusing on processes rather than results to maintain a positive mindset during competitions. She emphasises self-belief and uses positive language to stay focused. "Whenever competitions start up, the lesson I'll take from last year is the value of self-belief," she says.

Personal Life

Born in East London, South Africa, Barber moved to Corryong, VIC, Australia with her family in 2000. She enjoys hobbies such as watching films, going to the beach, cooking, photography, and spending time with family and friends. Her most influential person is her husband and coach, Mike Barber.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Barber aims to win gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She plans to use her experience from the 2016 Rio Olympics to improve her performance. Despite facing disruptions due to injuries before Rio, she remains determined to make Tokyo her best performance yet.

"I had by no means the ideal preparation for Rio," Barber recalls. "I really have to turn that around and make Tokyo my best." Her goal for this Olympics is clear: to be on the podium.

Kelsey-Lee Barber continues to inspire with her dedication and resilience. Her journey from high school athletics to world champion serves as a testament to her hard work and commitment.