Surf life savers ride crest of wave

 

The NZ Black Fins were crowned Surf Lifesaving World Champions in the Netherlands in September for the third consecutive year completing a hat trick of world titles. 

Traditionally strong in beach competition the team took a big step up in winning the pool events, the first non-European team to win the pool events. 

Winning the beach events as well as the overall title was a world first.

Against strong competition, much of it from her own team mates, local star Hannah Williams kept the flag flying, amassing a personal tally of four silver and two bronze medals while at the same time breaking four NZ records in the pool. 

“It was tough and we had 20 other countries to compete against,” reports Hannah “but the NZ Youth team came second overall which was a great result.” 

Following the countries competition, Hannah stayed on for the World Interclub competition where she earned second in the beach relay, and 9th, 10th and 11th in individual surf events. 

“I was stoked with that as it was in the open division and against some surf life saving legends.” 

“A heartfelt thanks to you all,” she adds. “The support I received from Mangawhai was incredible. Hope you can see the sponsors shirt that I wore much of the time!”

Also in September nine athletes were formally inducted into the Surf Life Saving Sports Hall of Fame at the 2016 Awards of Excellence held in Auckland. 

Among the 2016 inductees was Waipu’s Russell Hamlet who lists among his achievements National Champs individual event medals between 1977 and 1984 (including eight gold), and NZ representation in 1980 and 1982.

 
STRONG: Hannah Williams with another collection of medals.