Leisel Jones will host Triple M Queensland’s new drive show The Rush Hour with Ben Dobbin and Liam Flanagan

Leisel Jones has made the switch to radio, joining Triple M’s new local drive show across Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Champion swimmer Leisel Jones is moving into a new gig on Queensland radio.

The four-time Olympian will join Triple M’s drive show The Rush Hour, alongside Ben Dobbin and Liam Flanagan, which broadcasts across Brisbane and the Gold Coast from January 17.

It is part of Triple M’s shift to local drive shows across the country following Mick Molloy’s departure from the station’s national drive program.

“I’m not usually always the first person who is front and centre of everything. That will be very different for me,” Jones, 36, said.

Leisel Jones is joining Triple M drive show The Rush Hour. Photo: Peter Wallis

“I’m really excited. Hopefully I can bring a bit of a different perspective and not be afraid to have differing opinions. Having that sport background and an understanding of the ins and outs of sport will be very helpful, but I also love talking about other topics as well.”

“I’m sure there will be lots of feedback, I’m sure I’m not everyone’s cup of tea … but if you just speak about things that are true for you really can’t go wrong.”

Jones swam in the 2000 Olympic Games at 15 and became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympic Games before retiring in late 2012 – later opening up about the toll the sport had on her mental health in her book, Body Lengths.

While she is also continuing to study a psychology degree, Jones said commentating for Channel 7’s broadcast of the recent Tokyo Olympics had reignited her ambition to pursue a career in media.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I finished swimming. I always wanted to work in media but there’s not a lot of jobs. You don’t automatically get a job,” she said.

Jones will present with Ben Dobbin and Liam Flanagan from January 17. Photo: Peter Wallis

“I guess after the Olympics and doing the commentary … I was like, I love doing this, I love talking about it and it’s not as scary as it needs to be; really it’s just having a chat and connecting with listeners on the other side and just sharing your stories

“I was happy to give it a go and throw my hat in the ring.”

The Rush Hour with Leisel, Liam and Dobbo starts on Triple M Brisbane and Triple M Gold Coast from Monday, January 17 and will air from 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

It will compete against popular national drive shows on FM rivals Nova and B105.

“Triple M is excited to create a new show for the drive home that talks to sports lovers in this corner of our great state about the topics and stories that matter to us,” Triple M Brisbane content director Scott Menz said.

“We’re lucky to have the legend Leisel Jones on our squad in 2022. She’s a straight shooter, very clever, and together with Dobbo and Liam, will absolutely create unique radio for Brisbane and the Gold Coast, not to mention it’s live, local and legendary.”