Surf life saving stars shine bright
Port Douglas SLSC
Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club young guns Elise Wright and Emma Brard have returned from the North Australian SLS Championships in Mackay with a swag of medals and their sights set on more championships.
The duo, both 12, had individual and team success, picking up gold medals working together in the board rescue and patient tow competition and placing in board relay, Cameron and team swim with other competitors.
Elise scored individual gold in the boards, and silver in the iron woman and 1km beach run.
Emma was a bronze individual winner in the swim and iron woman.
They were among a host of competitive Port Douglas SLSC members competing in Mackay and both have now made the State Team and the Queensland Country Team.
Elise and Emma will next contest the Hayden Kenny Classic event on the Sunshine Coast at the end of November before competing in the interbranch event as members of the Queensland Country Team.
Their North Queensland State Team selection, along with five other Port Douglas SLSC juniors, will see them compete on the Gold Coast in March.
In her third year of surf life saving, Elise said the medals were good but getting to compete with friends and make lasting memories was the best part of the sport.
“We are travelling so much and competing together, we are all friends though and the trips and getting to hang out with friends is the best part,” she said.
Emma added weight to that, saying there was friendly competition always, with opponents always happy to see others do well.
“When we finish a race, it is usually hugs for all. I enjoy competing with my friends. I like the team wins the best,” she said.