As the 2019 NSW Envirobank Country Championships looms on the horizon here at Surf Life Saving NSW we are taking the opportunity to profile some of those athletes striving to make their mark at Kingscliff Beach.
Warilla’s Montana Doubell is fronting up for her second Country Championships as a member of the South Coast powerhouse and this ambitious youngster has her eyes firmly set on achieving her goals.
Already in possession of 5 Country medals, and a state title in the 1km Beach Run Montana is aiming to build on her success this season.
Another Ross Day trained athlete she looks up to a number of high profile former Warilla- Barrack Point athletes including Hayden White and Ali Day while also taking inspiration from champion Iron athletes Courtney Hancock and Jordie Mercer.
Montana Doubell has an exceptionally busy program planned for Country Champs and will be in action both on the sand and in the surf.
Name:Montana Doubell
Club: Warilla-Barrack Point SLSC
Age Group: U12 Girls
Events you are planning to contest: 1km Beach Run, Swim, Board, Iron, Swim Team, Board Rescue, Board Relay, Cameron Relay, Sprint Relay, March Past
How long have you been involved in surf lifesaving? I first joined Surf Life Saving in U7s so it has been 6 years.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of a surf lifesaving club? I love being at the beach, learning about the ocean and surf safety and I love competing!
How has your training been going for the Country Championships? We are very lucky to have Ross Day as our coach. He is tough and his training sets are hard but he inspires us to be the best we can be and push to our 100%. I love our surf club, my team mates are great and we push and encourage each other. We have trained hard and I hope we see the results at Country.
What are your goals for the Championships and the rest of the season?To be honest, I would like to improve my results from Country last year and I want to medal in the Board, Run and Iron at State. I know there are lots of talented girls in my age group so I’ll need to work hard to achieve this.
Do you have any pre-event superstitions or preparations? I try very hard to eat well the week before (because I love lollies) and I always have the same breakfast on the day of racing.
What are you most looking forward to about Country Championships? I competed at the Country Championships last year for the first time with Warilla and I loved it. It’s my favourite carnival of the year by far! The racing was tough but it was so much fun with the Warilla Crew.
Are there any surf athletes you admire or have found to be an inspiration and why? I have a few surf athletes I admire. The very first surf athlete I ever met in person was Max Beattie, he board paddled with me and let me win. I remember being so excited and knew I wanted to be a professional Ironperson that day. I also admire Courtney Hancock and Jordie Mercer and love watching them compete. My biggest inspirations are Hayden White and Ali Day though. They are ex-Warilla competitors and always encourage us to train hard and be the best we can.
Previous Results:
Country Champs: 1st1km run, 1stswim teams, 2ndiron, 2ndboard, 3rdboard
Sydney Water: 3rdoverall
State: 2nd1km beach run
Interbranch: 5thswim
Friday 25 January 2019