Medea Jones

Who are you?
My Name is Medea, I am 19 years old and currently studying Business at the University of Waikato. I've been an athlete for a number of years. Previously I was an Artistic Gymnast and International Power Tumbler for New Zealand. I am now a Junior Olympic Weightlifter for New zealand and have been involved in the sport for a little over three years

What sport do you compete in?
Olympic Weightlifting

What do you love about your sport?
There are so many things to love about weightlifting. I love the adrenaline rush I get from lifting a personal best. There is nothing quite like lifting a heavy barbell and hearing the crowd cheer for you. But I really love how technical and intricate the sport is. Sure we need to be strong but we also need to be speedy, and motivated to pick apart our technique everyday to make sure we improve at our next comps. It's also been amazing for my confidence levels. I feel stronger physically and mentally, and love that I don't have to conform to any perceived shape or form to be a weightlifter.

What are your goals for the next few years?
I am currently trying to qualify for the 2023 Junior World Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico. Beyond that I would really love to make it to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and 2028 Olympic Games.

What is the highlight of your sporting career?
I have two highlights. My first and most recent highlight was being named on the long list of athletes to qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth games and competing at the 2022 NZ International where I had the opportunity to try and qualify for the Commonwealth.

My second highlight was finally hitting a 100kg Clean & Jerk at the 2021 North Island Championships. I had been trying for so long to hit the triple digits and expected to reach that goal at Nationals which would've been five months later. I just felt really powerful and strong that day, and my coach believed I could do it so we took the chance and it now is one of my greatest memories.