Christie is a former Australian Olympian in volleyball having represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and has played over 200 international games for Australia. She is now a devoted Christian and athlete on a mission to complete unfinished business in beach volleyball.

Tell us about your background and how you got to where you are today:

I’m a former Australian Olympian in volleyball and have proudly been a PainPod ambassador for over seven years. I first partnered with PainPod during my time promoting drug-free living and pain relief. After sharing my story with the Sydney Morning Herald about overcoming drug and alcohol addiction post-Olympics, my life transformed when I gave my life to Jesus. Today, I’m a devoted Christian and beach volleyball athlete and while I achieved all my goals in volleyball, I’m still on a mission with unfinished business in the sport of beach volleyball.

What’s your favourite thing about beach volleyball?

I love the family-oriented culture. Beaches are where families come together, and beach volleyball has become a way for me to spend quality time with my son and loved ones. It keeps me fit, mentally strong, and gives me something to train and compete in, with competitions starting later this year.

What have been your biggest accomplishments in sport?

Representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, playing professionally in A2 Italy, competing in the World Championships, and playing over 200 international games for Australia.

Where do you see yourself in five years with beach volleyball?

Doing the impossible with God. I may not know exactly what that looks like, but I know I’m heading in the right direction by faith.

Have you faced any setbacks in your career?

Absolutely. Setbacks have come in both life and sport. But over time, I’ve learned how to recognise them and push through with resilience. Every obstacle has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be.

How did you enter professional sport?

Since primary school, I competed in national athletics and represented at the regional and state levels in multiple sports. Sport was always a natural fit. Once I focused on volleyball, my progress accelerated. Three years after starting, I received a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra—and that marked the beginning of my professional career.

What are the keys to success for someone wanting to follow a similar path?

A relationship with God is everything. It gives you the faith to persevere when the odds are against you. Also, understand that pain and failure are part of the process, they’re not setbacks, they’re the work. Strength and resilience come by pushing through the hard parts. If you embrace that truth, you’ll overcome anything.

How do you manage the balance between life and training?

I’ve been a devoted follower of Jesus for 11 years. Having lived both with and without God, I know firsthand that real balance only came when I put Him first. He gives me the strength, peace, and structure I need to manage it all.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I just told my son—who’s now the same age I was during my Olympic career—this: Don’t stress so much about the future. Live, learn, and forgive yourself for your mistakes. Failure is part of the journey. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Everything will work out—just keep going.

What sparked your interest in PainPod?

I was always seeking effective, drug-free recovery methods. PainPod was a natural fit—it’s portable, powerful, and aligned with my values. From the moment I tried it, it became an essential part of my training gear. 

How do you use PainPod in your training and recovery?

I mostly use it on my knees, back, quads, and hamstrings, key areas for any volleyball athlete. While I use it when I’m sore, I’ve found it works even better as a regular recovery tool, not just when there’s pain.

Head to Christie's Instagram profile to keep up to date.