Runner-up Andrew sets benchmark
KEELY Andrew has such faith in her ability to become a World Surf League contender, she sat down at the start of the year and worked out the results she thought she would need to snare the title.
Andrew may have fallen short of a maiden title yesterday but her effort to make the final of the Roxy Pro in pumping surf at Kirra showed she would be a force to contend with this season.
The Sunshine Coast 23year-old went down to American Lakey Peterson in the final but emerged with a benchmark for the season, her confidence bolstered by her performances and a greater determination to become a title contender.
“I sat down at the start of the year and looked at the results of Tyler Wright and what she got to win the title, so I’ve set myself some pretty high standards and I hope I can live up to them,” Andrew said.
“I’m really proud of the way I surfed this whole event and it was cool to make a heat in those conditions, as well as at Snapper.
“I’m happy with second but I always want to have first.
“It’s such a strong start to the year for me and I’m excited for the rest of it.”
Andrew beat Sally Fitzgibbons to make the final, with a word from Quiksilver Pro winner and fellow Sunshine Coast surfer Julian Wilson helping her prepare for the heat.
“Julian was surfing so well and he was giving me a few pointers before I paddled out against Sally, so it was cool to have him there and to watch him surf,” Andrew said.
Wilson was thrilled for Andrew, who is also mentored by his coach Andy King.
“It’s very special,” Wilson said of Andrew’s result.
“I watched Keely go so well through the second day of the women’s competition and make it to the semi-finals and I was sitting at home with my baby and my wife and very inspired by it.
“I know how hard Keely works and it definitely motivated me to come down here.”