New Zealand’s Rising Star at the Paris Paralympics 2024
It was truly awesome to meet Lili-Fox Mason, a remarkable athlete who is making waves in the world of Paralympic swimming. Competing at the Paralympics for the first time, Lili-Fox is set to represent New Zealand with passion and determination. As she prepares to dive into the pool in Paris, we hope the Halberg Community will rally behind her, let’s support Lili-Fox as she takes on the Paris Paralympics 2024! Discover more about Lili-Fox and her passions as you read on.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BEING SELECTED FOR THE PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024?
Earlier this year I competed at the NZ Swimming Championships in Hawkes Bay, this was the New Zealand Swimming Trials for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. My main events are the 100m Butterfly and 400m Freestyle, I just missed out on the 100m Butterfly qualifying time, but was lucky enough to do a Personal Best and qualify in the 400m Freestyle. I will be able to compete in both events in Paris.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE SELECTED TO REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY IN THE PARALYMPICS?
I was so proud and humbled by this selection. When I found out, all I wanted to do was say a huge thank you to everyone that had helped me get to that point. People always said “you were the one that put in all the hard work” but the truth is, I wouldn’t have been able to put in all of that hard work if it wasn’t for the love and support around me.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY TO COMPETE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE PARALYMPICS?
It is super exciting but also very nerve racking to be attending my first Paralympics. It is something I always dreamed of and it has been a huge goal of mine for a long time, sometimes that goal felt very out of reach, so to have made my first selection feels amazing.
WHAT DREW YOU TO SWIMMING INITIALLY, WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU WANTED TO PURSUE IT AT A COMPETITIVE LEVEL?
I always really enjoyed swimming as a child as it was low impact on my legs and I never struggled to keep up with the other kids, unlike sports that involved running. When I realised I had an opportunity to compete in para swimming with people like me, I was thrilled and excited to see where it could take me. After competing at my first nationals, and racing against other para swimmers I definitely realised how much I enjoyed the sport.
HOW DID ATTENDING THE HALBERG GAMES INFLUENCE YOUR PATHWAY?
The Halberg Games was one of the first events that made me realise how awesome Para Sport is, everyone is included and you get to meet some pretty amazing people. The Halberg Games made me realise how much I loved racing and to be able to do it in such a safe environment with people around you that only want you to succeed and have fun was awesome. I loved heading up north with the Canterbury team and meeting other athletes.
WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU? AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT HALBERG’S PART IN HELPING YOUNG KIWIS WITH DISABILITIES IN SPORT?
The work that Halberg does to help children in Aotearoa with disabilities feel included is so so important. Having a safe and accessible space for young kiwis to express themselves and reach their fullest potential is amazing and makes a huge difference in people’s lives.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN PREPARING FOR THE PARALYMPICS, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY?
This year I have had a huge shift in my enjoyment for swimming. With my sights set on Paris I have been able to really excel and enjoy every part of the journey. The most important thing for me has been balance, and cutting out things in my life that weren’t helping me put my best into every session. I have realised how important recovery is and taking time to myself to relax and step away from the pool.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WEEK OF TRAINING FOR YOU?
A typical week for me involves eight sessions in the pool, each session involving a different focus, as well as two weight sessions in the gym.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ATHLETES WHO ASPIRE TO COMPETE IN THE PARALYMPICS SOMEDAY?
Find something you love and fight to do your best every single day. Something I have realised is that you can’t let excuses hold you back.
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE YOUR VICTORIES AND HANDLE YOUR LOSSES?
I surround myself with people that make me happy and always reflect on my performance, good or bad.
To stay updated on both Lili-Fox and the New Zealand Paralympics team, click the link here to view the schedule for the Paris Paralympics.
