Power, Friendship and the Platform: Ruby & Lily on Growing Up in Kettlebell Sport
English Kettlebell Association Blog Interview
At just 14 and 16 years old, Ruby and Lily are already making their mark on the kettlebell sport world. Training side by side three times a week, competing internationally, and supporting each other through every lift, their story is one of friendship, discipline, and quiet confidence.
We sat down with them to talk about what first brought them into kettlebell sport, what keeps them there, and what being “powerful” really means.
You train together three times a week and spend so much time side by side. What first brought you both to kettlebell sport, and what made you stay?
Lily:
“My dad brought me along from a young age. At first I just watched, then I started joining in and I absolutely loved it. I stayed because I enjoy the sport so much, but also because of the people around me.”
Ruby:
“I started kettlebells when I was 8 because I wanted to improve my strength and fitness for gymnastics. I stayed because of the community and because I really enjoy the sport.”
At 14 and 16, most people are doing very different things with their time. What motivates you to choose training, discipline and competition instead?
Lily:
“My personal goals motivate me the most. I want to achieve 150 reps in snatch and 90 reps in jerk in the future. I also choose to train because I get to see my friends and help them improve too.”
Ruby:
“I enjoy sports, but for me it’s the experiences and memories that make it special. Training and competing gives me things I’ll always remember.”
How does training together as close friends make you stronger, both physically and mentally?
Lily:
“We motivate each other to be as good as possible. We use the same weights in training and competition, and when it gets hard, training with Ruby helps me keep going. She’s also helped me stop overthinking and improve my mindset.”
Ruby:
“The support and friendly competition pushes us both on. We want each other to do well, and that makes us stronger.”
When training gets hard and you’re tired or doubting yourselves, what do you say to each other to keep going?
Lily:
“We cheer each other on and remind each other how far we’ve come.”
Ruby:
“‘Come on, you’ve got this. Keep going.’ Simple but powerful.”
You travel and compete on the world stage. What gives you the confidence to step into that environment at such a young age?
Lily:
“I’m always nervous before I lift, but seeing my friends and family cheering me on really helps. And knowing I’ve done the lift in training gives me confidence.”
Ruby:
“The support from my family, friends, and coaches makes all the difference.”
What does “being powerful” mean to you, beyond just physical strength?
Lily:
“Being powerful is staying calm when I’m nervous, trusting my training, and believing in myself.”
Ruby:
“It’s having the confidence to step onto the platform and try, even when you’re scared.”
What do you love most about kettlebell sport and being part of Tu Nova Fitness?
Lily:
“The friendships and the bonds with my coaches. I love setting myself challenges and being able to travel and compete with my friends
Ruby:
“The challenges, but also the feeling of being in a team. We’re not just teammates, we’re like a family who all share the same passion.”
Do you have any fears or nerves before competitions, and how do you manage them?
Lily:
“I get very nervous, but I control my breathing, try not to overthink, and talk to my friends and coaches.”
Ruby:
“Yes. I speak to my coaches and they reassure me that I’ve put the work in. It helps me calm down and focus.”
What sacrifices have you had to make for your training, and are they worth it?
Lily:
“Sometimes I sacrifice time with friends outside of kettlebells, but it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice because I love the sport.”
Ruby:
“Between kettlebells and gymnastics I train about 14–15 hours a week. I don’t get much time to see friends outside of sport, but I don’t see it as a sacrifice because I’m doing something I love.”
When people say, “Even the oldies want to be you when they grow up,” how does that make you feel, and what would you say to other young girls?
Lily:
“It’s inspiring that people look up to me, even older people. It motivates me to be better. I’d tell younger girls that it doesn’t look silly to try a sport. Step out of your comfort zone – you might end up loving it.”
Ruby:
“I find it amazing that people look up to me and it makes me proud. I’d say: put yourself out there, step outside your comfort zone, and you won’t regret it.”
Final Thoughts
Ruby and Lily show that strength isn’t just measured in reps or kilograms. It’s in discipline, friendship, courage, and the willingness to try. They represent exactly what the English Kettlebell Association stands for: young athletes growing not only in physical power, but in confidence, resilience, and character.
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