ASB MAGAZINE:
Surfing Australia is excited to announce the Australian Open Surfing Team for the 2018 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games, to be held on September 15th- 22nd in Tahara, Japan. Athletes have been selected based on their rankings on the 2018 World Surf League World Championship Tour, Qualifying Series or Australia/Oceania Junior Tour. Surfing Australia’s National High Performance Director Kim Crane said, “We’re excited to be taking the Australian Open Surfing Team to this event; it provides us with a chance to compete in the beach conditions at Tahara, to understand the format, embrace a performance opportunity, and build momentum on our ‘Team Australia’ culture.
“The Olympic qualifying system states that the 2019 & 2020 ISA World Surfing Games is imperative for athlete selection in the Tokyo 2020 Games, so this presents a significant opportunity for these athletes to not only perform on the world stage for their country but also to capture some learnings that our National Squad athletes will be able to apply in the 2019 & 2020 events. We have a great mix of experience and youth, so as individual competitors it’s a terrific opportunity for our athletes to show up as a team, for each other.”
Sally Fitzgibbons, current World Surf League and Australian National Squad athlete said: “It’s a huge honour to be selected to represent our country in Japan for the ISA World Surfing Games and to Captain the team. Its such a unique opportunity to be in a team environment like this and continue to build the culture as Team Australia heading toward the 2020 Olympics. I’ve always wanted to check out Japan and the epic surf culture. I can’t wait to head over to ride some waves, learn as a competitor and share this experience with my super talented teammates and coaching staff. C’mon Aussies.”
The team, who will be supported by Surfing Australia’s Elite Program Manager Bede Durbidge and Coach Tim Macdonald is:
Women:
Sally Fitzgibbons (Team Captain)
Holly Wawn
Philippa Anderson
Men:
Kai Tandler
Callum Robson
Dextar Muskens
Surfing Australia’s Elite Program Manager Bede Durbidge said: “This is a significant achievement within the already successful careers of these athletes, and it cements their strong positioning as the top athletes within our sport. Anytime you get an opportunity to represent your country is a really proud moment, and those who have been selected all work really hard to be the best they can be. I’m stoked that Sal has accepted the role of Team Captain for this event; she has green and gold blood running through her veins! The pride and passion she holds for competing for our country is certainly going to make her really hard to beat and there is no doubt she has her eye firmly on Olympic readiness at this event.”
The Australian Open Surfing Team is proudly supported for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Hydralyte Sports.
VIA PRESS RELEASE
