Former Olympic gold medalist and swimming legend Liesel Jones will serve as the SP Sports Awards guest speaker this year, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Crown Hotel.
SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare introduced the swimming sensation during the announcement of the SP Sports Awards finalists.
“Leisel is an 8-time Olympic medalist and the first Australian swimmer to compete in four Olympic Games, and we are delighted to have her here for the awards night on June 1st.”
“During her visit, we’ve scheduled a coaching clinic at the Taurama Aquatic Center with the Boroko Swimming Club with aims to inspire our younger swimmers.”
“Leisel, who began swimming at a young age and went on to win one of Australia’s youngest Olympic medals, is looking forward to working with our young swimmers.”
· At just 15, Liesel became the youngest member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Swimming Team.
· Leisel won two silver medals in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m Medley Relay, making her one of the youngest Olympic medalists in Australia’s history.
· 1 gold medal (1x100m medley relay), 1 silver (200m breaststroke, 1 bronze (100m breaststroke) at Athens in 2004 Olympic games.
· 1 gold (100m breasts), 1 gold (4x100m medley relay), 1 silver (200m breaststroke) in Beijing 2008.
· 1 silver (4x100m medley relay) London Olympic Games 2012.
Since announcing her retirement in 2012, Jones has continued to excel.
She published a memoir, hosted Network Ten’s coverage of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and was a swimming expert commentator for the 7 Network’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
She is currently a commentator for Triple M’s Rush Hour in Brisbane.