Proof women can take sport to highest level

MANY surf lifesaving fans will be aware of the name Carmel Billson, but few will know that over the last four years, the now ex-Bay woman has spearheaded a turnaround in the sport.

Billson, currently a fourth-year chiropractic student in Durban, was a juggernaut in the historic overall points score victory for the Marine Surf Lifesaving Club.

To put this achievement in perspective, only two clubs previously had dominated the titles – that of Durban Surf, and, of late, Fish Hoek Surf out of Cape Town.

Marine have always had a strong team consisting of many talented individuals, however they were always a long way off the pace.

It was only after the arrival of Billison, together with the likes of ultra-swimmer Chad Ho and a returning Matthew Bouman, that the Marine Club was given a solid platform to go for the national title.

“I was involved in the sport of lifesaving when I was living in Port Elizabeth, before I moved to Durban in 2012 to further my studies in the chiropractic field and to further my sporting ambitions.”

Being a fierce competitor and a natural leader has seen Billson being awarded the Springbok captaincy for her remarkable achievements.

Not one to shy away from other disciplines, the Marine Club champion took on the full breadth of the sport, including surfski paddling and the Malibu board, reaching expert level in the sport.

Billson has ambitious goals for herself, the sport, and women in sport.

“I don’t think girls are made aware of the different sporting codes available to them at university.

“There needs to be more open days showcasing the different sports,” Billson said.

To be a successful sportsperson, Billson reiterates that eating a diet high in protein, with lots of vegetables and salads, fruits and nuts is a must.

ý Surf lifesaving is a community-driven movement and it came with huge shock and disgust when the fraternity heard of the cowardly attack on one of our own.

Luvuyo Nonzinyana is the friendliest lifesaver I have ever met and to think that he had to defend his life by literally sacrificing his hand to a panga wielding thug is unfathomable.

Nonzinyana will face months of physiotherapy, costing thousands, and any donation will be very welcome to see the fittest metro life guard get back to his civic duty. To donate, contact Sue Hoffman at inthebush@telkomsa.net