Terry Seirlis created Building Futures to help boost the skills of young athletes in Warwick. Lilly Jones is a sporting all-rounder who excels at many sports and is the third-place receiver of Building Futures 2021. Lilly has reached high levels of competition through her hard work including national bench-rest shooting competitions, QLD state swimming and representative netball. Lilly told us a bit about her sporting commitment after the Building Futures dinner.
Q: What do you like about living and playing sport in Warwick?
A: Warwick has so many different opportunities to play a range of sports. Since moving to Warwick six years ago I have participated in taekwondo, dance, little athletics, netball, swimming, rugby union, benchrest shooting, rock climbing, wakeboarding and even brass band marching group. Whatever your interests there is a club or organisation in Warwick that will offer something that you like.
Q: What sports do you play?
A: I like participating in all sports though swimming and netball are the two that I take seriously with training and competitions.
Q: What do you love about sport?
A: Sport is social, and it is where I make friends. That is what I love most about sport. It also gets me out of the house and into the outdoors. Sport keeps me busy but in a fun way.
Q: What are your best sporting qualities?
A: I am a hard worker. I have worked hard to get good at my sports, especially swimming. I train five to seven times a week and during the holidays, it can be ten times a week, going to the pool morning and afternoons. I also do dry land weight training up to five times a week for strength and flexibility. Every little success and improvement that I make is all my own hard work.
Q: If you had to pick one sport as your favourite, what would it be?
A: It is hard to pick just one favourite as there are good things about both of my favourites – netball and swimming. Netball is a team sport where you work together and have lots of fun. Swimming is mostly me swimming up and down a lane. Also, netball is a winter sport and swimming summer, so this combination is perfect. If I had to pick only one sport it would be swimming. Mostly because how good you do is determined by the time on the clock when you hit the wall.
Q: Who is your favourite sports star?
A: I admire Katie Ledecky, Ariarne Titmus and Michael Phelps for their swimming abilities. They look incredible in the water. Our local Laura Geitz is also a favourite and Gretel Bueta who does amazing things on the netball court and always has a smile while doing it. I also love Sam Thaiday as he would always have fun but also worked hard like me.
Q: What are your future goals for sport?
A: I just want to keep swimming and playing netball or any other sport. Short term I want to continue to represent Allora Swimming Club at carnivals and Warwick for netball. I would also like to compete in a national benchrest shooting competition. Long term I would like to study sports medicine or sports psychology and maybe even become a professional coach.
Q: What do you plan to do with the Building Futures donation money?
A: The donation money I received will be used to pay for a swimming clinic that is coached by two Tokyo Olympic Gold Medallist Coaches – Michael Bohl and Vince Raleigh. It will be held in Brisbane in January 2022.
Q: What kind of equipment are you going to purchase?
A: I will be getting a FINA approved swim race suit. I am very excited to compete in a proper race suit.
Q: Has this donation helped spark your sporting drive?
A: It wasn’t so much the donation that has energised me personally but being chosen, first as a top ten finalist and then being awarded third place. Having someone recognise the effort and offer to support me, is what has given me a boost.
Q: How will this help you improve?
A: The acknowledgement Building Futures gave me has helped me to keep pushing and working hard, especially those cold 6 o’clock starts in the water. The recognition that I can do something special pushes me to keep working hard as it is worth the effort, time and commitment.
Q: Terry Seirlis said he was really impressed with your ability, and he wants to see you playing for Australia one day. Do you think you can do it?
A: I really hope someday I could represent Australia whether that be swimming, shooting or something else. It will be a lot of hard work but with perseverance anything is possible.
Q: Do you have anything you want to say to Mr Seirlis or Building Futures?
A: Thank you so much Mr Seirlis and Building Futures for giving me the support and recognition to push towards my sporting goals. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated, and I hope to make you all proud.
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