South African lifesaving athletes made big waves at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championship, claiming multiple titles and many podium placements! It was also a particularly proud feat for Fish Hoek, with several athletes representing the same club in addition to their country:
Gold Coast, Australia (16 September 2024) — South African lifesaving athletes made the nation immensely proud recently thanks to their participation at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships held on the gorgeous Gold Coast in Australia.
At the prestigious event that united over 5,000 athletes from over 50 countries, 24 South African lifesaving athletes prepared to compete against the best-of-the-best in both pool and surf events and proceeded to make a certified splash of their time there.
For Lifesaving South Africa, Worlds highlighted waves of progress, especially for the youth division. For one, the team moved up placements from 7th to 5th thanks to both individual and team performances!
It was a particularly exciting feat for the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, with several lifesaving athletes representing this community, including champs Matthew Coetzee, Matthew Brading, Holly Smith and Eve Abrahams.
Achievements Round-Up
Lifesaving superstars Jake Hutton and Eve Abrahams earned respective World Titles in Flags, while Matt Brading claimed the gold for the Youth Surf ski. The Youth Girls Beach Relay team (Rebecca Fury, Dayna Deeble, Eve Abrahams and Keria Van Heerden) also scored a World Title for their event, all of which made a big difference in moving the needle of the youth team’s placement to the top 5.
In more podium moments, Tyne Van Achtenberg scooped a silver for Surf Swim, while Jake Hutton added another silver to the tally for Sprints. Blazing in bronze was the Girls Tube Rescue, thanks to Rebecca Fury, Danya Deeble and Eve Abrahams, while Holly Smith and Eve welcomed bronze for the line throw.
In the open division, significant strides were made despite stiff competition that included athletes from the recent Paris Olympics. South Africa held its own and maintained 9th place after securing several podium placements, including Matthew Coetzee, who earned the World Champion’s crown for the Open Men’s Surf Ski (a big win for the Fish Hoek family considering that club member Mark Keeling had earned the gold in 2022), and Samuel Booysen, who took bronze in beach sprints.
Not to mention, Bruce Abrahams (Eve’s father) took gold in the World Champs Flags (40-44) and silver in the sprints (40-44), while Masters competitor Renee Vrahimis claimed bronze in the Beach Flags (age category 65-69) in more fantastic news for Fish Hoek.
“Our athletes showed incredible determination and resilience, competing against some of the best in the world,” praised Pool Coach Chantel Smith. “Despite the pressure, they achieved personal bests and delivered outstanding performances in the pool. This championship was a real test of their abilities, and they rose to the occasion, proving that South Africa can compete at the highest level.”
Adds Surf Coach James Thomson, “Overall, this was a positive world champs for the national team. The team was selected with a vision for the future. The experience gained by the youngest team ever taken to the Opens will stand us in good stead for the next 2-6 years.”
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