Junior Athletes Inspired by Olympian

The group of 12-14 year-old athletes were selected to represent their branches and join 44 other aspiring champions from across the state.

The program kicked off with a welcome from Olympian and Nutri-grain Ironman Ky Hurst. The father of two who is now a member of Newport SLSC talked to the athletes about the multitude of competition and life skills Surf Life Saving provides and the healthy lifestyle it instills.

“If I could turn back time and be a 12 year-old, I’d love to be here with these kids learning all the skills again. I was in the same place all those years ago. I remember coming here on camps. It was a fantastic opportunity. It’s all about learning and adapting new skills and making new friends. It’s about learning to combine your sport and lifesaving skills that could save your life and others. Skills that stick with you for life,” said Ky.

“I’ve always said these kids are our future and it’s so important to embrace and nurture them. I am excited to see who the future Ironmen and Ironwomen will be.

“Surf Life Saving was my whole life growing up,” Ky continued. “It was amazing for me to come through from an eight-year-old to representing NSW and Australia and be part of the Ironman series. I love Ironman racing and I love surf. I miss it and if I could do it all again, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

Day One was jam-packed with fitness testing, a pool beep-test, track and flexibility testing as well as a session on nutrition and a chat with NSW Ironman Champion Jackson Borg.

The next day the group was visited by former Australian representative, now commentator Jess Collins and her brother, newly qualified Nutri-grain Ironman Dan Collins.

The room was silent and in awe as the elite siblings described how to work through the adversity that comes with surf sports and professional competition. Jess inspired them with her story about working through her life-changing accident that resulted in her becoming quadriplegic.

Day two was a big day on the water with a whole morning of specialist beach and water training as well a visit from ASADA to talk about drugs in sport, supplements and sport psychology.

Friday wrapped up the program with an introduction to Pool Rescue techniques and a recovery session, finishing with the high ropes course before all 44 headed home ahead of the long weekend.

Layke Shipley from Warilla Barrack Point SLSC said, “It’s a great experience to come here and be with the best kids in each of the branches and state. I’m really happy I made the team. I can’t wait to have a lot of fun and meet new people.”

Jenson O’Leary from Sawtell SLSC joined her surf club as an Under 6 Nipper and said  it meant a lot to be chosen to attend. “I’m excited to see where the other Under 14s are at so I can plan out my season and do my best,” Jenson said. He was excited to undertake his Bronze Medallion and wants to work as a Lifeguard in his local community. 

Kane Doull from Narooma SLSC said he loves the competitive drive from all the kids in all the clubs in the Far South Coast to push each other to become the best they can be. This is a massive stepping stone for me and will help me to strive to become an Ironman.”

Former Ironman and Junior Development Academy  coach and facilitator Michael Clues from North Curl Curl SLSC was joined by Newport’s Emily Doyle and Bailey Clues as well as specialty coaches Tony Williams, George Benhayon, Michael Gedz along with Rhonda Lycett and Lara Boyle as chaperones.

Surf Life Saving NSW Director of Surf Sports Don van Keimpema said the program was a special experience for the kids showing great talent in surf sports. “Some of them are already training with our top athletes and others have never had professional coaching before but are still excelling,” said Keimpema.

“These athletes could be representing our state as early as this year in the Youth Pathways Cup and some will compete at their first Australian Championships. We want them to be prepared to give their best and continue to strive to achieve their dreams as professional athletes,” said Keimpema.

The 2019 Junior Development Academy was held 2-4 October at Sydney Academy of Sport Narrabeen.

2019 Junior Development Academy Athletes

Friday 4 October 2019