Richie was born on 28 December 1963 in Manly, New South Wales. Her parents were Ray and Georgina with siblings Sharon and Raymond. Her father Ray played first grade rugby league for Manly Sea Eagles and was first grade coach from 1981 to 1982.[4] At the age of 23, Ritchie broke the T5 and T6 vertebrae in her spine after falling backwards from a stone wall at Manly Beach.[5]
Ritchie whilst recovering from her accident in hospital saw wheelchair basketballers training and this led to her taking up the sport.[5] Her wheelchair basketball classification is 1.5 points.[1] She attended three Paralympics Games – 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney.[1] The Gliders, national women's basketball team, came fourth in 1992 and 1996 and won the silver medal in 2000.[1] She was vice-captain at the 1992 Games and captain at the 1996 and 2000 Games.
Ritchie was a member of the Gliders at three World Championships – 1990, 1994 and 1998. The Gliders won the bronze medal in 1994 and 1998.[10]