The Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club spent time representing South Africa in Australia for the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships – and filled it with history-making moments!
South Africa (20 October 2024) – Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club’s first-ever team to compete in Australia delivered remarkable performances, breaking new ground and securing impressive results at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships. With a squad of 27 passionate Youth, Open, and Masters athletes, Clifton proudly etched its name into the history books.
Historic Firsts for Clifton:
- First time Clifton has sent a team to compete in Australia
- First-ever Open Ladies team to compete at World Champs
- First-ever Female Masters athlete to compete at World Champs
- First-ever Youth team to compete at World Champs
Open Competition Success:
Final Placings (out of 142 clubs):
- 18th in Ocean
- 20th in Pool
- 19th Overall
The Clifton Open team of 15 athletes showed resilience and heart, competing fiercely against the world’s best. In the Pool events, athletes set new personal bests, with standout performances from Kendra Du Toit, who reached both A and B Finals in individual events. The Open Ladies relay team achieved victory in a B Final and reached both A and B Finals in other relays, significantly boosting Clifton’s campaign.
In the Ocean events, teamwork shone as the Ladies Tube Rescue and Men’s Beach Relay teams both finished 4th. Samuel Booysen also placed 4th in the Beach Sprints, and the Ladies Board Rescue team secured a B Final 5th place finish. In a gruelling Men’s Long Run Relay, Clifton claimed an admirable 6th place.
Youth Competition Triumphs:
Final Placings (out of 91 clubs):
- 6th in Ocean
- 9th in Stillwater
- 8th Overall
Clifton’s Junior Boys excelled on the beach, Jake Hutton stood out with back-to-back World Champion titles in Flags and Beach Sprints. Clifton had three athletes reaching the Flags A final: 14-year-old Kyto Tuohy, in his first Youth competition, finished 4th, while Sam Abold took 6th. In the B sprint finals, Sam placed 2nd, Kyto 7th, and Josh Huntingford 8th. The Youth Boys Beach Relay team of Josh, Kyto, Mathew Pincente, and Sam won the World Championship, highlighting an outstanding performance by Clifton’s Youth squad.
Keira Van Heerden broke three National Records in the 50m Manikin Carry (twice), 200m Obstacle, and 100m Rescue Medley, setting new U17, U19, and Open Women’s National records in the final. Having competed with the National team earlier in the week, her achievements were exceptional.
Masters Competition Highlights:
Christina Mallion, Clifton’s sole Masters competitor, earned a bronze medal in the Surf Ski event and secured several top 8 finishes across board, beach sprints, long run, and flags.
Reflections and Gratitude:
“As a group, we came here to learn, and we experienced an amazing calibre of racing while forming lasting friendships. We left our mark on this competition with our spirit, and we can be truly proud of our final placings.” – James Thomson, Clifton Head of Sport.
Clifton athletes returned home with pride, eager to continue building on their successes at future world championships.
“On behalf of Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our journey to the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships possible. From our dedicated coaches, management, and support staff to our generous sponsors, Velocity Trade and PKF, your belief and commitment fuelled our success. We are proud to have represented our community on the world stage and look forward to building on this incredible experience.” – Ed Tuohy, Clifton Chairman
Clifton’s participation in the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships marked a significant milestone in the club’s history, and their achievements have set the stage for even greater success in the future.
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