Gilmore to lead Aussie Games bid
SIX Aussie superstars, including Tweed’s Stephanie Gilmore, will represent the nation at this year’s International Surfing Association World Surfing Games in Japan.
Team Australia yesterday named Gilmore, Ryan Callinan, Nikki Van Dijk, Sally Fitzgibbons, Julian Wilson and Owen Wright in the strongest Aussie team ever assembled for the September event.
The World Surfing Games form part of the criteria for Olympic qualification as Tokyo 2020 and surfing’s debut loom larger than ever with powerhouse nations Brazil, the US and Australia to use the event in Japan as a rehearsal for the big show.
Gold Coaster and Surfing Australia’s head coach Bede Durbidge admitted selection was a challenge.
“This team selection was always going to be hotly contested, as the quality of Australian athletes we have competing on the world stage are the best at what they do,” he said.
“The group we will take to Japan in September for the ISAs will be ready, and will be going all out to perform at their best for their country and I cannot wait to lead them.”
Fitzgibbons, the defending World Surfing Games women’s gold medallist, admits it’s exciting times.
“We don’t get to experience that team culture as a group very often,” she said. “To come together as Aussies and really have that intention of being there for each other and our country is powerful.
“I think the rehearsal vibe for what an Olympic Games would be like and the energy at this year’s ISA World Games is going to be perfect to continue to build the performance culture within Team Australia.”
The top 10 eligible men and eight women (maximum two per country) at the end of the 2019 WSL Championship Tour season will earn qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
The World Surfing Games start on September 7.