JETT KENNY

What are your first thoughts on awakening in the morning?

First thoughts are definitely varied, depending on what I'm waking up for—typically it’s more been about “Argh! I can’t be bothered to train” to which I then somehow manage to roll out of bed and get on with it.

Do you drink coffee or tea?

I don’t drink either! I’ll have a cheeky espresso Martini on a night out if I need a little pick-me-up. The first time I experienced coffee I was in Europe and proceeded to have 10 espresso martinis. let's just say I didn’t sleep much in the next 24 hours.

Bath or Shower?

I am 100% a shower man, I don’t really fit too well in a standard bath, and I’d rather a nice big open shower and if I wanted to sit, I would just sit on the floor of the shower with it running over me.

What city is home at the moment?

The wonderful Sunshine Coast, between there and the Gold Coast where my girlfriend lives. They’re a nice change of pace from one another.

What would be your superpower?

This is a difficult one, obviously, there are so many good ones, but I think having the power to Manipulate the elements would be pretty cool—like Avatar and Naruto (anime).

How did you first get involved with the Ironman Surf Lifesaving Championship?

Surf Lifesaving has been in our family since well before I was born, Grandad was the first ever Australian Ironman Champion, then Dad was the only person in history to win both the Junior and Open Australian Ironman Titles on the same day at the same Australian Championships. So typically being on the sunshine coast and growing up around the beaches, not only did I dive into it at the age of 5, but it was a great way to learn about being safe in the ocean and water from a young age.

Do you feel like a champion?

Not always. There are times in my life when I feel like I can do anything, but there are also those days when I feel like I’m
not good enough. But that’s part of life.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is very basic and minimalistic—I love black, white, navy, and grey. I wish I had a better style or more confidence to pull things off. I love to dress for an occasion.

How was your first time walking the runway for David Jones?

I remember standing in the dark listening to the soundtrack playing—rain and thunder. I felt as though my heart was visibly pounding out of my chest, but that’s an experience I will remember forever. Having the “lightning” go off and expose the five of us was surreal. one of the coolest shows I've walked into to date, and it was my first ever. So I set the standard pretty high!

JETT KENNY

What was your latest stylish purchase?

I’ve been on the hunt for a specific look for trousers for a long time, and I’m still yet to find the ideal ones I have in mind. But I found these amazing pants from Uniqlo, which I have been wearing the death out of; they're so easy to style, whether it be casual or more of a formal occasion.

What are your favorite labels?

Labels change for me by season; I’m big on the basics, which I believe Industrie does really well, along with Uniqlo and Zara, and then topping it off with Chillé.

How did it feel to be stripping for the first time in a packed room in The Full Monty?

To say I was petrified would be an understatement. I do not recall those three to four minutes of my life except for the ending where we revealed it all and the fireworks that were set up in front of me misfired for a brief second, which left me fully exposed. But guess it was all for a good cause. I also apologize to those in the crowd who had to witness what they saw haha!

That said, Boxers or Briefs?

Why have one when you can have both—give me boxer briefs any day of the week. However, there are definitely times where briefs are needed to get that clean look while wearing a suit or type of trousers.

Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?

I think it’s important for a man to set goals to achieve and be confident in themselves but always strive to be a healthier version of themselves. Finding a dress sense for yourself, something that makes you feel good—as well as getting your body to a place you’re happy with. I am very self-critical of my standards. There is no better feeling than feeling like you’re at your best.

What cologne do you wear if any?

I’ve been limiting my use of Fig Man by Carner because I’m running out, it’s my special occasion cologne.

What’s something you could eat for a week straight?

Mexican, Mexican food is hands down the best cuisine there is. If we are talking more a particular food—Bacon or donuts, give me that goodness any day of the week.

Motorcycle or car?

I’m a car man, I do however have a little Vespa to get me from A to B during summer when it’s super busy and hot.

What scares you? And what makes you angry?

Nothing in particular really scares me, like I have said, I’m quite self-critical so I guess in a sense not being good enough scares me. What makes me angry? Stupid people and I don’t mean intelligence, I mean people who have no common sense and you ask yourself. How do you manage to exist? haha!

Do you read books? If so, what was the last one?

I actually don’t, I don’t have the patience for a book. Audiobooks whilst driving or exercising I do enjoy the background noise—it’s slightly better than head noise.

Is there a quote that speaks to you?

I’m not sure if anyone else has said this before, but I thought I came up with this one. “A wise man has plenty to say, but the wisest say nothing at all”. I do tend to sit back and observe for the most part when I’m not in my comfort zone, but at the same time, I love a bit of controversy.

JETT KENNY

Dogs or cats?

Dogs, no argument. I’m yet to meet a cat I look forward to seeing.

What accomplishment are you most proud of at the moment?

As someone who sets standards very high for themself, I would say “accomplishments” are hard to come by. I have done and accomplished a lot of things over my life so far, I can’t really look past winning the Open Male Australian Taplin Relay in 2022. Which is a team race in our sport that is one of the hardest to win. People go a whole career trying to win this race. Also managing to raise $26,000 to shave my head in support of my coach, whose daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia just weeks before her second birthday.

What qualities do you seek in your male friends?

Honesty, I don’t need a lot of friends. I like to keep my circle small.

Who do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?

I’d have to say Ange Postecoglou—I’m a Tottenham supporter, and love the idea of having an Australian coach behind the team. He’s had great success with Celtic over the past few years and it’s exciting to see what he will bring to the table with one of the world’s biggest teams. #COYS

A place to lose yourself?

My gaming chair and my computer desk, can easily spend 6-10 hours a day and not get bored and very easily lose track of time.

What would your perfect night be like?

Come home from training, little bit of takeaway with a Movie or TV series with my girlfriend, a little bit of dessert, then when she’s fallen asleep—maybe some gaming until I am ready to sleep. this is yet to happen because Lily doesn’t want me to have a late night, and tells me I need my beauty sleep.

What do you wear to sleep?

I may be a little biased now, but I cant go past my Chillé pjs. I highly recommended if anyone is in the market for some new comfy, sustainable sleepwear.

What makes a perfect man?

In my eyes, someone who is well respected, polite, looks after themselves, family orientated, self driven and really knows what they want.

What’s next for Jett Kenny?

At the moment, I’m getting back into training for the upcoming season, working, and that’s about it at the moment—nothing out of the ordinary or overly exciting, sadly.