Australian Ninja Warrior Jolene Kelly trains with her pet python Stanley at the gym

JOLENE Kelly is known as ‘The Snake Charmer’ on Australian Ninja Warrior, and there’s a good reason why. Her workout companion is a pet python.

JOLENE Kelly is known as ‘The Snake Charmer’ on Australian Ninja Warrior, and there’s a good reason why.

Her “constant companion” is her 1.7m pet python Stanley, who is her recovery buddy and support network — even when she goes to the gym.

Ms Kelly, 28, a sales manager from Chelsea Heights in Victoria, says Stanley helps her face the emotional toll her hardcore fitness training has had on her since she began her weight loss journey.

Three years ago, she wanted to lose 20 kilos. She did it in two years, going from 78kg to 58kg.

Now Australians will see her take on the Ninja Warrior course, which she undertook while injured with a tear in her right quad.

“I may be the clumsiest Ninja around,” she said.

Jolene Kelly lost 20kgs after taking up exercise. She now has washboard abs and a python called Stanley which she uses during her training sessions. Picture: Eugene Hyland

“I had a tear in my right quad two weeks before the competition. I was training twice a day for three to four hours, six days a week.

“A week before the competition my Physio looked at me and said ‘You just have to Panadol-load for the next week’.

“If you look closely you’ll see the scar from the ice pack burn I have from the rest of my life on my right side!”

By the time Ms Kelly got to take on the course, it was 1am. She says it was the best thing she ever did even though it feels like a total blur.

Jolene Kelly with Stanley at the gym. Picture: Eugene Hyland

“The hardest part was standing there waiting for the buzzer to go. Keeping yourself together was tough,” she said.

“I was waiting for more than 12 hours to do my run in the middle of the night. It was intense, and I had my two best friends with me. I actually can’t remember being there. That’s why I have to do it again. A possible second season of Ninja Warrior is my tunnel vision goal right now, it’s brought me so much joy and happiness.”

Jolene Kelly has no regrets with entering Australian Ninja Warrior. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Since taking on the course, Ms Kelly said she is hooked on the gruelling training regime she has done for the TV obstacle course.

“I’ve not dropped back my training, it’s been the most rewarding experience,” she said.

“It’s given me strength in my body, and so much strength in knowing there’s nothing I can’t do if I train for it.

Jolene Kelly gets support from her pet python Stanley. Picture: Eugene Hyland

“I loved the agility stuff and speed work. It’s given me confidence to move my body, and I have helped inspire other women at te gym to have the same belief they can do it too.”

Australian Ninja Warrior airs Sunday — Tuesday on Nine.

Originally published as Australian Ninja Warrior Jolene Kelly trains with her pet python Stanley at the gym