Sunshine Coast clubs have produced strong showings at the Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving Championships, where a local captured a major accolade.
Local clubs filled three of the top five overall placings at the three-day event for under-11s to under-15s at Maroochydore Beach.
Alexandra Headland (2nd), Maroochydore (4th) and Mooloolaba (5th) were in the thick of the action, while Gold Coast outfit North Burleigh claimed its third straight title.
Alexandra Headland’s Tyler Johnson was co-awarded the Matthew Barclay Memorial Trophy for winning the under-15 Ironman event.
“It means heaps,” he said.
“I’ve now got four medals, which is pretty amazing.”
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The trophy was named in honour of Matthew Barclay: a Maroochydore talent who lost his life, aged 14, in big surf at the Australian championships at Kurrawa in 2022.
North Burleigh’s Summer Murray was crowned the under-15 Ironwoman champion, said her victory was especially meaningful after Matthew’ father Steve addressed competitors before the race.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “I’m incredibly honoured to win it.”
On the final day of racing, Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club delivered a dominant performance in the under-13 girls board race, claiming first and second place.
Isabelle Czajkowskyj overtook clubmate Billie Berg on a wave in the closing moments of the race.
“It’s great having really good people around me to challenge me,” she said.
Berg showed sportsmanship at the finish.
“I’m just glad it was her and not anyone else on the wave next to me,” she said.
A series of adaptive events were also held on Sunday. Competitors of all abilities contested surf and beach disciplines.
The senior state championships will be held at Maroochydore from February 27 to March 1.
Standings: North Burleigh 339, Alexandra Headland 287, Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park 261, Maroochydore 235, Mooloolaba 197, Tallebudgera 170, Northcliffe 161, Metropolitan Caloundra 159, North Barrier Branch 144, Mermaid Beach 135.
