Sights set for Brisbane

By Chloe Kent

IT WAS always a long-haul game for Aislin Jones as she headed into Paris 2024. In a sport that not only requires optimum physical condition, but also mental clarity, one can go from bottom of the ladder to the world’s best, as Dave Jones explained, “the competition is so closely matched here that Francisca Croveto Hadid from Chile who placed gold (at Paris) finished 27th in Tokyo.”

“It’s a bit like trying to pick the Melbourne Cup,” Mr Jones said.

“There’s always a couple of favourites, but everyone here was capable of making the final if a few things went their way.”

And whilst the events may not have gone Aislin’s way, she still shot incredibly well placing 25th (112/125) in her individual event and 11th in the mixed teams (141/150) alongside Josh Bell.

“It’s so easy at events particularly the Olympics to be hyper-critical of your performance,” Aislin explained.

“Whilst I know I am capable of better; I am really proud of the work I’ve put in particularly over the last 12 months. It has absolutely reinforced my goals to continue on for LA and Brisbane because I want to see what I’m capable of on the world stage. 

“Everybody who makes it to the Olympics is the best in the world and has the technical skills to perform. At that level it is largely a mental sport, and I will continue to work on my mental skills in the next Olympic cycle.”

Surrounding by her strong support team including personal coach Lauryn, dad (Dave Jones) and support staff, Aislin noted that her team communication was a ‘big positive’ in Paris and something she ‘will be leaning on in the future.’

“(The Olympic) range is next level! 

“It was a phenomenal range to compete on with an excellent background and great weather. It’s always special having the Olympic rings all over a range as a reminder of what you have achieved. 

“The sun first thing in the morning was a big challenge but one that I managed really well and wasn’t an issue for me.”

Surrounded by an incredible atmosphere and super friendly volunteers, the Olympics is simply like nothing else.

“Experiencing the crowd is something we don’t get except at an Olympic Games,” Aislin said.

“My mixed team’s partner, Josh, and I had the unique experience of competing in the mixed team’s event in the same squad as the French team and the crowd was going absolutely crazy for the French team. Then, we had a small Aussie support team who banded together to try and make as much noise as the French. It was such an amazing feeling and something I can’t quite describe.”

Playing indoor and beach volleyball when she was younger, Aislin had the opportunity to watch the semi-finals beside the Eiffel Tower. 

“That was so cool to experience. We happened to have tickets to the semi-finals the Aussie girls were playing in, so we got to cheer for Aus!”

And whilst she didn’t stay inside the Olympic village, she did manage to pop inside once back in Paris.

“It’s huge!! It accommodates up to 14,250 athletes and staff so it’s basically a small town. There are so many sights to see in the village that a day there didn’t even put a dent in it but a few of my highlights included an Aussie coffee from the barista at Aus team HQ, getting stamps at the post office with my face on them to send postcards home from the village, the Olympic rings of course! And the dining hall with the famous ‘chocolate muffins’.”

As highlighted in The Sentinel-Times coverage before her departure to Paris, Aislin competed in a third ‘Olympic’ event, albeit unofficial – The Marathon Pour Tours, which was as brutal as described.

“The Marathon Pour Tous was something I will never forget... to go and run my first marathon on the Olympic course, at night, after competing at my second Olympic Games felt so surreal. Something I could only dream of doing.

“They weren’t kidding about how brutal the course is, especially with the famous hill just before 30 kilometres, but I’m incredibly proud to have finished with a time of 4:28:23! 

“Running past the Eiffel tower with the Olympic rings is cool for a lot of people but so special to me and something I’ll remember forever.

“To all the businesses and community in Leongatha and South Gippsland who’ve fundraised or supported me on this journey, thank you!”

Here’s to seeing the next chapter in Aislin’s remarkable shooting journey.