by Trin Tongsiri
When a serious head injury ruled her out of playing rugby for three years, Kelsey Francis lifted her spirits by lifting weights.
What started as way for the keen sportswoman to stay fit quickly reignited her competitive spirit, leading to success at state and national level.
“I grew up playing almost every sport,” said Francis, who also dabbled in hockey and swimming.
“I played a lot of rugby but unfortunately I got a bad head injury at a state championship and I wasn’t allowed to play team sports for three years.
“I started weightlifting with a friend I played hockey with and I fell in love with the sport in October 2018.”
Coming from a team sports background, the third-year Law and Commerce student initially struggled with the solitary nature of weightlifting.
“It was challenging in an individual sport because there is no one there to motivate you but I am very lucky to have a good relationship with my coach and I also have supportive family and friends,” she said.
“It won’t be a lonely sport if you can find someone that you enjoy spending time with.”
Despite grappling with injuries and illness including appendicitis and peritonitis, Francis won her first national title in 2019.
“That is a favourite memory. I was still young at that time and I had just come back from a major injury,” she said.
“I can remember hearing the final whistle, and then I ran to hug my coach.”
Francis’s next target is the 2024 Queensland U23 Weightlifting Championships and she is currently balancing training with her studies at Bond University.
“Bond is very supportive, and by this, I mean everyone, not just the teaching staff,” she said.
“The people I met throughout my journey are very kind, and that includes library and cooking staff.”