Lithgow’s June Kelly describes herself as a “average tennis player” but that did not stop her from claiming three gold medals at the World Masters Games in April.
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Kelly travelled to Auckland, New Zealand with her husband Cec to compete in the games.
In all, over 28,000 participants from 106 countries played in 28 different sports at the World Masters.
The trip was no doubt a success for Kelly as the 81-year-old took home the gold in the 80+ women’s singles as well as the mixed and women’s doubles.
Kelly said it felt “awesome” to come home with three gold medals.
However her victories came as a surprise to her regular Monday morning teammates at Lithgow City Tennis Club.
"I didn’t tell them… they knew I was going to New Zealand but I didn't let on that I was going to compete," Kelly said.
"They were thrilled for me because they're very supportive and they're all top players.”
The highlight was claiming victory in the women’s doubles over a team considered to be the number one 80+ pair in New Zealand.
Keep going till you're 80.
- June Kelly
Kelly teamed up with New Zealander, Audrey Hopkins to take out the gold medal match in a three sets plus a tie-breaker in the final set.
"It was unexpected but we pulled it off," she said.
Kelly paired with Les Hodson from Brisbane to claim the mixed doubles crown.
The former state netballer and basketballer said the experience was about competing and being able to tell her grandchildren “to have a go”.
She had the same message for anyone that would listen.
“Keep going till you’re 80.”
Kelly was doubtful she would return to defend her crown at the next World Masters in Japan.
"I don't think so," she said with a chuckle.
"We'll see in four years time, you don't know what's around the corner do you? But I've been fortunate enough to keep going."