Beki Smith facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Rebecca Lee |
| Nickname(s) | Babsie, Beki |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Born | 25 November 1986 |
| Residence | Canberra, Australia |
| Height | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) (2012) |
| Weight | 49 kg (108 lb) (2012) |
| Sport | |
| Country | Australia |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | 20 km Road Walk |
| Club | Asics West |
Rebecca "Beki" Smith (whose maiden name was Lee) is an Australian athlete. She was born on November 25, 1986. Beki is famous for her skill in race walking. She represented Australia at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 20-kilometre race walk event. She also achieved sixth place at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast.
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Beki's Early Life and Start in Sports
Beki Smith, also known by her nicknames "Babsie" and "Beki", was born in New South Wales, Australia. She grew up in Mount Druitt, a suburb in western Sydney. She attended Minchinbury Public School and Colyton Public School for her primary education. Later, she went to Rooty Hill High School and St Marys Senior High School.
Beki started race walking when she was just seven years old. By the time she was ten, she began to take the sport much more seriously. One of her best performances in an international competition was finishing tenth. This happened in the 20-kilometre race walk at the 2011 IAAF Race Walking Challenge in Taicang, China. She completed the race in 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 35 seconds.
Education and Training
For her higher education, Beki attended the Australian College of Physical Education. She began studying for a Bachelor of Sports Business in 2007. As of 2012, she was continuing her studies from a distance, while living in Canberra, Australia.
Beki's main event in athletics is the 20-kilometre road walk. Before a big race, she has a special routine. She likes to listen to music by Bob Dylan to help her focus.
Beki is a member of the Asics West athletics club. She also received a special scholarship from the Australian Institute of Sport. This scholarship helps support talented athletes. From 2003 to 2010, her coaches were Kevin Stone and then Marilyn Pearson. After that, Brent Vallance took over as her coach, and he continued to coach her for many years.
Major Competitions and Achievements
Beki was chosen to represent Australia at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She competed in the 20-kilometre walk event. After her race at the Olympics, something very special happened. Her now-husband, Daniel Smith, publicly asked her to marry him!
Key Race Walking Results
Beki has competed in many important race walking events. Here are some of her notable results:
- In 2011, she placed tenth in the 20-kilometre walk at the IAAF Race Walking Challenge in Taicang, China.
- Also in 2011, she finished tenth at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China.
- She came in second place in the 20-kilometre walk at the 2011 Australian Race Walking Championships in Melbourne, Australia.
- In 2012, she finished fourth in the 20-kilometre walk at the Oceania & Australian Race Walking Championships in Hobart, Australia.
Beki Smith is also recognized on the Australian Olympic Committee list of Australian Indigenous Olympians.
