Name: Kelsey Francis
Sport/club: Queensland Representative Olympic Weightlifting Team
Study/work: Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Actuarial Science
What’s your nickname and how did you get it?
Either Mad Goat because I throw things at Lawson and Brendan when they make noises at me, or Blancmange by Greg when I’m not lifting well.
What are you currently streaming?
I am trying to stream Grey’s Anatomy in my spare time, I managed to get through two seasons last semester so only 16 more to go.
You’ve got the day off, the weather is perfect and you’ve got money in your pocket. Where would we find you?
You would probably find me and whatever friend I can convince to come with me at Sea World, an aquarium or zoo patting animals I probably shouldn’t.
Who inspires you the most?
My coach Greg. He has been lifting consistently for the past 50 years and helped develop weightlifting as a sport in the Oceania region. He is one of the two Australian Olympic coaches and is the most passionate person I know. He believes in me when I don’t believe in myself and is like a second father to me.
Who is your most annoying teammate and why?
Lawson (Egg Head) because he likes to steal the weight plates from my platform and make weird goat noises when I am trying to lift.
Who is your nemesis?
Egg Head when I am trying to max out.
What’s your superstition?
I have worn the same pair of socks at every competition I have ever lifted in and refuse to wear the socks at any other time than competitions.
If you could invite three people to a dinner party, who would they be?
Just some of my best friends: Bec, Noah, and Sam so I could have a fun night and relax. Plus whoever else wants to come along.
And if you’re the chef, what’s on the menu?
If it is the morning, protein pancakes, lunch or dinner it will be vegan burritos.
What is your greatest sporting memory?
Winning my first National Title in 2019 only eight weeks after I broke my ankle. I convinced my parents and coaches to let me get an exemption even though I was told I’d never lift in time for nationals. The feeling of nailing my last lift to get the title is indescribable.