Jay Furniss
27
YEARS OLD
NSW
CRONULLA SLSC
N/A
2021/2022 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Calling the Sutherland Shire in Sydney’s south home, Jay Furniss started in Surf Life Saving as a U6 Nipper at his home club of Wanda SLSC. Now a full-time primary school teacher and competitive athlete, Furniss also leads the Sport and Wellbeing programs across his school. Growing up as part of the Shire surf lifesaving scene, Furniss says that his hero was Cronulla local and Ironman champion Nathan Smith, who he says still influences him to this day. Away from the beach Furniss enjoys playing golf and vegging out on the couch watching movies and sport.
Jay, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
I started off surf lifesaving as a nipper in the U/6s at Wanda. My parents took me down as a summer sport and I instantly loved the ocean. My competitive side came out and I tried to keep pushing the limits and being the best.
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Nathan Smith was my surf lifesaving hero growing up. I remember watching Ironman racing for the first time and saw him win the Open Ironman. When I found out he was from Cronulla I thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread!
When I got to know him I looked up to him in the way he carried himself as a person.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Take it as it goes and don’t overthink it.
Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?
Enjoy it, have fun, and learn from your mistakes.
What do you think about on the start line?
Get the dog.
Jay, what has been a high and low in your IronMan journey?
There have be many highs and many lows. You just have to embrace them and work with where about’s you’re at. There is so many I wont be able to write them all.
Who is your biggest competition in the 2020/21 Nutri-Grain Series?
I think Ali Day is the man to beat and everyone’s greatest competition.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
Sticking to my process and routine I follow.