Leisel Jones

 

“I hope everyone understands that Sport 4 the Environment is not an awareness campaign, it’s aiming to create measurable environmental impact, so step up and be involved” Leisel Jones - Swimming


Leisel is arguably the greatest ever female breaststroker and at still only 22 years, she is the face of a young courageous Australian achiever with a dream larger than life. She is one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes and her story is one of personal growth, inspiration and success.

Leisel has broken 13 world records, was the youngest member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Swimming Team and the youngest ever Olympic medallist in Australia’s history when she won silver in the 100m Breaststroke (B) and 4x100m Medley Relay (MR). At 18 years, Leisel brought home Olympic gold, silver and bronze and set a new World Record with the medley relay team at the 2004 Athens Games.

She has won seven World Championship titles, seven Commonwealth Games gold medals and 19 National titles.  She is currently the world record holder for the 100m and 200m breaststroke events and is a member of the world record team for the 4 x 100m medley relay (plus holds the short course world records in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events). Leisel’s 100mB and 200mB World Records are over one and two seconds (respectively) faster than any other competitor.

Leisel’s determination in the pool, her ability to perform under pressure and her positive attitude and honesty have earned her international praise. In 2006 Leisel was named World Swimming Magazine’s Swimmer of the Year. At the 2006 Commonwealth Games Leisel became the first woman in history to complete the 50mB, 100mB and 200mB treble, was named Swimmer Of The Meet and was honoured to be selected as the 427 strong Australian team flag bearer at the Closing Ceremony.

Leisel has appeared in numerous magazine shoots and feature stories, she has been the promotional face for a line of beauty products and the recipient of countless awards. The Confederation of Australia Sport awarded her the 2005 & 2006 Australian Female Athlete of the Year, she was named the 2005 World Female Swimmer of the Year, 2006 Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander of the Year, 2006 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards (Most Popular Sports Person), and the Australian public voted her the 2006 Telstra People’s Choice Award (first female ever)!

After a successful 2007 World Championships in Melbourne, Leisel is looking forward to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and beyond. With the great team she has formed including her family, friends, coach and sponsors and with her pure determination, honesty, new found confidence and positive outlook, she will no doubt continue to dominate the world stage and inspire others.