Goodwill Games

07/24/2001

Stellar Aussie Lifesaving Team Set for Games

Australia will go into the 2001 Goodwill Games Surf Lifesaving competition as the country to beat, following today's announcement of its red-hot team line-up for the event.

The nine member Australian team announced for the Games today features a swag of tough competitors who have displayed fantastic form at recent international and domestic meets.

The Australian team will be captained by Clint Robinson (Maroochydoore) and includes Ky Hurst (Tugun), Karla Gilbert (Surfers Paradise), Kirsty Holmes (Kawana Waters), Kerri Thomas (Maroochydore), Melissa Hoar (Narooma), Andrew Jackson (Maroochydore), Mark Williams (Northcliffe) and Zane Holmes (Kawana Waters).

The Aussies will take on teams of the best surf lifesavers from Canada, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the United States at Kurrawa Beach on September 1 and 2.

Robinson said he was excited to lead Australia's surf lifesaving team at the most prestigious multi-sport event in the world this year.

"It will be an honour to represent Australia for the first time at the Goodwill Games, not only as a member of the team but also as captain,'' Robinson said.

"I am proud to be part of such a fantastic team with such high levels of experience, competing in the sport I love!''

2001 Goodwill Games Chief Executive Campbell Rose said all of the countries competing in Surf Lifesaving at the Games had confirmed their competitors.

"Surf lifesaving is shaping up to be one of the highlight events at the 2001 Goodwill Games, not only because it features an incredibly tough field, but because it will be contested at one of the Gold Coast's most scenic beaches,'' Mr Rose said.

"We look forward to witnessing two days of exciting competition as the teams vie for $100,000 (AUS) in prize money.''

Surf Life Saving Australia President Alan Whelpton said the Australian team would be strong contenders to win the Goodwill Games surf lifesaving events.

"As a representative for the International Lifesaving Federation I can say that Australia is delighted to be part of the eight countries competing in surf lifesaving at the Goodwill Games,'' Mr Whelpton said.

"I am extremely happy with our team and believe we have a good, strong group of people that will carry us to victory.''

Each surf lifesaving team, consisting of five men and four women, will compete in 12 individual events: mixed board rescue, beach sprint (m/w), surf race (m/w), surf board race (w), surf ski race (m), ironman/ironwoman, beach flags (m/w) and the lifesaver relay (m/w - swim, board, ski, run).

Medals will be awarded to all members of the top three teams, based on their overall point score, in addition to prize money that will be awarded to teams based on their placing for each day and their overall ranking.

Media:
Biographies of all members of the Australian surf lifesaving team are available from the 2001 Goodwill Games on the number listed below.

Media information:
Lisa White, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2084 (direct) / Mobile: 0404 842 370
E-mail: lisa.white@2001gwgbrisbane.com.au

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