Leisel Jones

Fast Facts

Discipline: Breaststroke
Date of Birth: 30/08/1985
Birthplace: Northern Territory, now based in Melbourne
Nickname: Lethal Leisel
Sporting Idol: Muhammad Ali
Favourite Quote: “Successful people do what unsuccessful people won’t”
Biggest challenge: Managing the life balance between swimming and other interests for optimum performance

Biography

At just 26 years of age, Leisel Jones is the world’s greatest female breaststroker. Leisel’s professional career boasts an impressive 12 individual World records, 8 Olympic medals (3 x Gold, 4 x Silver, 1 x Bronze), 7 World Championship titles, 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals and 23 National titles.

Leisel’s determination in the pool and her ability to perform under pressure has earned her International praise. At the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Leisel became the first woman in history to complete the 50m, 100m and 200m treble, was named swimmer of the meet and selected as the team flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

The Confederation of Australian Sport awarded Leisel the 2005 & 2006 Australian female athlete of the year, along with being named the 2005 World Female Swimmer of the Year, 2006 Young Queenslander of the Year and 2006 People’s Choice Award (first female ever).

Leisel is one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes and is set to be the first Australian swimmer to compete at all four Olympics, come London 2012.

Major Achievements

2010 Commonwealth Games – Delhi
Gold – 100m Breaststroke
Gold – 200m Breaststroke

2008 Olympic Games – Beijing
Gold – 100m Breaststroke
Gold – 4×100m Medley Relay

2007 FINA World Championships – Melbourne
Gold – 100m Breaststroke
Gold – 200m Breaststroke

2006 Commonwealth Games – Melbourne
Gold – 50m Breaststroke

2005 FINA World Championships – Montreal
Gold – 100m Breaststroke
Gold – 200m Breaststroke
Gold – 4×100m Medley Relay

2004 Olympic Games – Athens
Gold – 4×100m Medley Relay