Leisel Jones OAM

Leisel Jones OAM's Biography

Australian Icon, Leisel Jones, OAM is regarded as one of the world’s greatest ever female swimmers, winning seven World Championships titles, nine Olympic medals, 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals, 14 individual world records and 23 National titles.

At just 15 and 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 medallists in Australia’s history.

By the age of 18, Leisel was competing in her second Olympic Games in Athens, winning gold in world record time in the 4x100m medley relay, silver in the 200m breaststroke and a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke.

After facing many adversities and setbacks, she finally fulfilled her dream of winning individual Olympic gold in Beijing, 2008 in the 100m breaststroke. She also won gold in the 4x100m medley relay and silver in the 200m breaststroke.

Before farewelling her swimming career (and swimsuit wedgies) forever, Leisel competed in her fourth Olympic Games in London in 2012, finishing on a high by winning a silver medal in the 4x100m medley relay and becoming the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics.

Post retirement has seen Leisel’s career include releasing her memoir, Body Lengths; hosting Network Ten’s coverage of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and as a swimming expert commentator for the 7 Network’s Tokyo Olympic Games.

As one of the most popular and visible sporting figures in Australia, Leisel has established herself as an exceptional media talent with extensive experience in commentary, interviews, hosting and light entertainment.

Leisel’s contagious energy, earnest sincerity and good humour make her a uniquely inspiring keynote speaker that can entertain and engage any audience. Telling her own story with a poignant honesty, Leisel’s speaking engagements motivate audiences to live with authentic intention and integrity.

Having overcome personal obstacles, Leisel is a vocal advocate for mental health support and positive body image. She also passionately amplifies these philanthropic causes by partnering with organisations close to her heart, including Beyond Blue.

Speaking Topics Include

Body Lengths - Leisel candidly describes what it's like to be thrust into the limelight so young. She reveals the constant pressure she was under – from coaches, from the media and from herself – to be perfect.

Despite the highs of her swimming stardom, she suffered depression, and at one time planned to take her own life. In London, criticised in the media for her weight, and appalled by the bulling and dysfunction in the Australian swim team, Leisel nevertheless handled herself with great composure. She has emerged with maturity and good humour, having finally learnt how to be herself and live with confidence.

Body Lengths is the inspiring story of an Australian sporting hero, told with humour, optimism and style.