World class lifesavers
TORQUAY and Lorne lifesaving clubs have proven themselves on the surfboating world stage, claiming medals at the world championships in Adelaide this week.
Torquay’s under-19 men’s team — The Buoyos, consisting of William Popovic, Riley Bell, Louis Martinez, Josh Whitty and Jackson Costa (sweep) — were victorious, taking out gold amid some challenging weather conditions.
Torquay’s under-23 men — The Pirates, featuring Davis Kontelj, Manning Gatwick, Jacob Morgan, Stephen Christopi and Scott Tannahill (sweep) — achieved a third place, highlighting the depth of talent at the club.
On the ladies’ side of the draw, Lorne’s open women — Lorne Edge, which includes Chantal Guziak, Megan Grierson, Peta Glaister, Michelle Yann and sweep Geoff Matthews — won gold medals in the open women’s surfboats.
Lorne Again — the club’s masters team, also swept by Geoff Matthew — were also crowned world champions after winning the Masters 160 class.
Lorne Growlers — the club’s reserves open men featuring Brad Kerr, Andrew Duffield, John Halloran, Jarred McCombe and sweep Alistair McCombe — finished in the placings too, while Lorne’s A-grade men’s crew was pipped on the line to finish fourth. Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club president Tiffany Quinlan said it was terrific to see talent from the region winning world championships.
“It goes to show you can do these things down south,” Quinlan said.
“Often it’s a misconception that to achieve in lifesaving you have to live up north (Queensland), but these guys have trained in the middle of winter and they’re a dedicated group of people.
“It certainly means our boats are doing the right things and we’re grooming good athletes despite the fact we live in the freezing water compared to up north.”
Two Torquay athletes are yet to compete at the week-long Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide; Archie Vernon, who recently achieved success in the Ocean6 event, and Jaime Patterson, who will be up against some of the world’s best pool lifesaving competitors.