11 APRIL 2025
THURSDAY 17/04/2025
PUNCHING ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT Local siblings Genevieve (Gen) and Gilbert (Gilly) Hebrard recently raised the bar at the All Schools Weightlifting Competition in Nundah, all while keeping on top of regular school tasks at Samford State School and Ferny Grove State High School. Fourteen-year-old Gen took out the silver medal in the Under 53kgs Girls division, impressing judges with her 29kg Snatch and 45kg Clean and Jerk lifts. Six-year-old Gilly was the youngest competitor in the under 12s division, placing an incredible fourth and shining as the only competitor to be successful in all six lifts. His top weight lifted was a 10kg Clean and Jerk and a 7kg Snatch.
The pair have competed in three competitions recently, improving in their lifts each time. “The best part about seeing your kids in sports is seeing them enjoy it and become a more confident person from the experience,” their mum Jodie Hebrard said. “It’s also awesome they have another adult in their lives (their coach) who is helping shape them into being the best they can be.” After watching her parents strength train regularly, Gen put her hand up to join her dad in his regular CrossFit sessions, soon realising she needed to improve her Olympic Lifting to pursue her greater ambition of becoming a competitive athlete. Not satisfied with just cheering on his sister from the sidelines as she regularly trained at the Chandler Cougars Weightlifting Club, younger brother Gilly didn’t hesitate to flex his own muscle when Gen’s coach invited him to join a class. He has been learning and lifting ever since. While Jodie didn’t expect to be in regular attendance at weightlifting platforms, she couldn’t be prouder as she and her husband support her kids’ natural interests. “I think allowing kids to follow their curiosity is super important to finding the right sport for them. I never would have thought I’d have kids competing in weightlifting but here we are!”
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What started as hard work has become a source of fun for Gen, whose coach makes the sessions enjoyable by combining a positive learning environment and right level of physical challenge. With aspirations to be part of the 2032 Olympics Weightlifting team, Gen is well on the way to lift expectations in her chosen sport. Younger brother Gilly has his sights set on becoming a champion boxer, and knows he needs to be strong in the ring. He also trains at Fortitude Boxing to pursue this dream. We can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo achieve, as Gen and Gilly continue to build strength of character along with their muscle. Tanya Hall