GOLD SHOULDER

VIKINGS FLAGBEARER

KING KYThe greatest ever

Sunday April 6, 2014 sls.com.au/aussies • #Aussies2014

Jye’s amazing fightback

Chanel No 1

02 | The Aussies 2014 Sunday 6 April, 2014

Ky Hurst, the king of Australian surf swimming, defied age, conditions and a hot field of rivals to win a record 10th open surf race title yesterday.

The 33-year-old from Kurrawa timed his finish perfectly to outsprint longtime rivals Shannon Eckstein (Northcliffe) and Nathan Smith (Manly) in an exciting finish.

Hurst was left trailing the leaders in the early stages of the race but gradually worked his way through the pack as they swam back to be beach in flat conditions.

He drew level with Eckstein close to the sand and the pair, who between them have won nine Australian Ironman titles, rose

together to wade through the shallow break.Hurst then stumbled in a hole, but Eckstein

immediately did the same and it was the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games swimmer who got his balance first and beat Eckstein across the line by two metres.

The win means he is undefeated in surf race finals at the Australian championships since finishing second to Stephen Short (Maroochydore) in his first open final as a 19-year-old in 2000.

Since then he has won in 2001-04, 2006, 2009, and 2011-14. In the other years during that span he either missed The Aussies because of other swimming commitments or the event was not held.

The Australian Open surf race winners are littered with Olympians – from Noel Ryan (Manly) and Jon Donohoe (North Bondi) to four-time winner Graham White (Lorne), Graham Windeatt (Collaroy), Max Metzker (Maroubra), Graeme Brewer (Tamarama), Ron

McKeon (South Maroubra), Deane Pieters (Manly) and Mal Allen (Maroubra).

But none has acquired the extraordinary record built up over a 14 year period like Hurst.

“Every year I come to the Australian surf championships and it’s never an easy year and this year was definitely no different,” he said.

“This was the first time in my life I’ve worn goggles in a surf race, it was just too flat not to. I took the risk of wearing the goggles and it paid off – I got to see a little bit clearer.

“It’s been a pretty crazy career and to get that 10th is pretty good.

“I don’t feel that old to tell you the truth, I don’t feel as if I’ve been running around for that long.”

Hurst knew he wasn’t at the best end of the start line but was happy with how he began the race.

It came as a shock then to see how quickly some of his rivals, led by Northcliffe’s Dev Lahey, got away as they raced to the turning buoys.

“I put my head up to breathe to the left and looked south and they were so far in front it was ridiculous,” he said.

“It was just a matter of chasing from there.“When I swam up on Shannon it was a

matter from there of conserving my legs enough to use them at the end.

“I could see he was using his legs a lot but no one can do that and have their legs work well when they get up to run.”

The 10th title makes Hurst far and away the most successful surf swimmer in the sport’s 99-year history – alongside Clint Robinson (Maroochydore) who won 13 single ski titles and Simon Harris (Kurrawa) 10 beach flags - but the bad news for his rivals is he is hungry to chase more.

“I certainly have no plans for retirement,” he said.

KING KY CLAIMS HIS

10TH CROWN

This was the first time in my life I’ve worn goggles

in a surf race. Ky Hurst

COURTNEY’S GOLDEN DOUBLE

NORTHCLIFFE’S Courtney Hancock (above) claimed the Australian open women’s surf race title after a ding-dong battle in the flat conditions.

Hancock, the country’s leading Ironwoman, swam her way to the front on a frantic race back to the beach, holding a metre on the closing field. As the swimmers hit the wading area, it was Hancock who had eyes for the finish.

Lifting her legs high through the knee-depth trough she outsprinted the field to the finish to win her third title in the event.

Terrigal’s Jess Collins won silver, Northcliffe’s Rebecca Creedy the bronze, with defending champion Georgia Miller from Manly a close up fourth.

Hancock said she was happy with the win and that it set her up well for the defence of her Australian Ironwoman championship tomorrow.

She and the other leading Ironwoman contenders, including Miller, North Burleigh trio Brodie Moir, Liz Pluimers and Tara Coleman, Noosa’s Jordan Mercer and Hancock’s clubmates Creedy, Kristyl Smith and Alyce Bennett, made it safely through their semi-final this morning.

“Having the swim first in the Ironwoman I think suits me,” she said.

“I like to get out there and set the pace.“I know I want to get out there in front

and push the race really fast because I know that I can handle it.

“If anyone is going to go with me it’s definitely going to hurt, and I’m ready to do that.”

DASH AND SPLASH: The men’s open surf race field leaves the start line of yesterday’s final.

The Aussies 2014 | 03sls.com.au/aussies • #Aussies2014

IT is not often you see two rivals embrace with excitement when they still have to face each other in the gold medal decider.

But when Chanel Hickman and Katie Williams leapt into each other’s arms it was a sign their biggest rival, the greatest flags competitor of all time, Melissa Howard, had been eliminated in the bronze medal run-off.

The momentary shock that silenced the big crowd in the amphitheatre was followed by the excitement of Hickman (Currumbin) and Williams (Collaroy), and then the realisation the biggest prize was still to be raced for.

It was Hickman who kept her excitement under control long enough to dash clear of Williams in the final, grab the flag and claim the gold medal.

“I think she had me at the start there but I didn’t give up really,” she said of the final race.

“Since I was 12 years old I’ve been dreaming of this.

“At 12 years old I did my first nipper carnival in South Africa. I did every single nationals until I was 18 when I moved to New Zealand.

“This is my fourth Australian championships so ever since I moved over to the Gold Cast I’ve been working to achieve this.”

Hickman had raucous support from a large

Currumbin Vikings contingent that had come to cheer on the New Zealand representative as well as clubmate Hayley Wyper.

“The Currumbin crowd, man they’re just unbelievable. That’s all I could hear, ‘Vikings, Vikings’, for me and Hayley. It’s definitely an awesome feeling.

The new champion paid tribute to Howard, who was chasing an historic 10th Aussies gold medal.

“She just has the most incredible mind power and to try to overcome this you have to be so strong,” she said.

“Training with Mel was such a huge benefit to me when I was at Kurrawa, but there are pros and cons to training with your top competitor so I made the decision to change to Currumbin and they’re so supportive; it’s unbelievable.”

Howard was philosophical about the defeat – she had won the past eight flags titles at the Australian championships – but she was also certain she’d be back to chase title no.10 next year.

“I’ll be back definitely. The flags next year

will be four days before my wedding but I’ll be ready to run.”

The changing of the guard continued in the open men’s final when home town hero Tom Nolan caused a surprise by winning the gold medal ahead of Kenichi Wada of Kurrawa.

With 10-times champion Simon Harris sitting injured in the grandstand, it was a chance for a new winner to emerge, and when Kurrawa’s Paul Cracroft-Wilson, who won the flags at Scarborough in 2007, was eliminated midway through the final it left the door open for someone to become a first-time winner.

And that’s the door Nolan, of North Cottesloe, barged his way through.

“I normally see myself as more of a sprinter than a flagger, but I knew I could be up in the mix,” he said.

“I’ve got to get a really good turn and the best dive I can and that’s always hard to do because there is such good quality around.

“I didn’t contemplate today that I was going to be in the dais, let alone taking it out, so I’m absolutely thrilled.”

This is my fourth Australian championships so ever

since I moved over to the Gold Coast I’ve been working to achieve this. Chanel Hickman

SCARBOROUGH FLAGS A CHANGING OF THE GUARD

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Kinechi Wada raises the hand of the new open flags champion, Tom Nolan. Nolan reaches out to claim the winning flag. Part of the big crowd that packed the Scarborough Amphitheatre yesterday and created an amazing atmostphere. Currumbin Viking Chanel Hickman achieves her life-long dream as she grabs the gold medal-winning flag ahead of Katie Williams.

04 | The Aussies 2014 Sunday 6 April, 2014

SUPPORT THE AUSSIES TEAM ON THEIR JOURNEY TO RESCUE 14: Australian professional beach volleyball player and Olympic gold medallist, Natalie Cook showed her support for the Rescue 2014 Lifesaving World Championships and signed the supporters flag at The Australian Lifesaving Team tent at The Aussies today. The results of The Aussies 2014 will be used to help select the Australian Life Saving Team, who will compete at the World’s in Montpellier in France in September to be announced in the first week of May. You can also join the Official Supporters Group while you are there and sign up for regular updates and social functions in the lead up to and during the event.

Championship photos available online at harvpix.com

BAIN-CLAIM: A victorious Billy Bain claims the mixed double ski gold with Mooloolaba partner Kirsty Higgison with Bulli pair Michael Locke and Hannah Minogue taking silver and Kaitlyn Matuschka and Lachlan Tame the bronze.

YEAH BABY: Do you reckon Maroochydore pair Cassie Lee and Laura Pettigrew are happy with their gold medal winning effort in the Under 17 board rescue. We reckon they’re the happiest winners of the week.

PUMPED FOR GOLD: There were some anxious moments before Mooloolaba boys Matt Poole and Luke Cuff could officially claim gold in the board rescue but the gold medals were worth the wait.

HEADS UP: Alexandra Headlands gold medal winning Lifesaver Relay Team Nik Green (swim), Stephen Davies (boat sweep), Chris Crompton (boat), Zack Cerlenizza (boat), Samantha Thornton (runner), Matt Van Mourik (boat), Chris Goodluck (boat), Jy Duff (ski), James Porter (board). Currumbin were a close up second ahead of Elouera. ARMS LENGTH: Avoca’s Jake O’Brien takes a classic leap to keep Daniel McKellar at bay in the under 19 beach flags final.

The Aussies 2014 | 05sls.com.au/aussies • #Aussies2014

APPLES OF THE ISLE: Tasmania’s Carlton Park girls in perfect unison in the boat area.

ROPED IN: The Sorrento Under 19 belt crew is a picture of concentration.

TUBE RUN: Queenscliff’s long striding Isaac Smith on his way to gold in the tube final. The Northern Beaches Club, with Chris Allum at the coaching helm, has dominated the Under 15s area.HANDS OFF: This Alexandra Headlands board paddler having some fun in the Scarborough back wash.

ARMS LENGTH: Avoca’s Jake O’Brien takes a classic leap to keep Daniel McKellar at bay in the under 19 beach flags final.

06 | The Aussies 2014 Sunday 6 April, 2014

CHILLING AND THRILLING FOR TERRITORY TRIOTHEY may have finished 12th in the race for the gold medal but the Mindil Beach under-17 surf ski relay team had plenty to celebrate this week.

For the team made up of twins Noah and Luke Marcroft and Mitch Hardy, just making the final against the best paddlers in the country was a victory in itself.

It was the first time the Northern Territory has had a team into a craft-based final at the Australian championships.

The 16-year-olds, all born and bred in the Territory, started slowly but then put in good showing to move from last place after the first paddler to 12th by the finish.

“It’s a great experience,” Noah said of the trio’s first visit to The Aussies.

“It’s exciting, and cold!” Mitch added, after completing the morning final when the temperature was about 18 degrees, quite a bit colder than the 30-plus temperatures they are used to at home.

The under-17 ski relay final was won by Alexandra Headland, with Newport second and Byron Bay third.

Mindil Beach has a team of nine athletes competing at The Aussies this week.

As well as trying to give his kids some much-needed experience, team manager Skip

Hall is on the lookout for a good quality double ski to take back to the Territory.

If anyone can help, give Skip a call on 0407 300 392.

NEW TERRITORY: Mindil Beach under 17 ski paddlers Mitch Hardy (left), Noah Marcroft and Luke Marcroft were happy with their first crack at an Aussies final.

JYE GIVES INJURY THE GOLD SHOULDERTHEY breed ‘em tough at Catho – just ask legendary Swansea Belmont and North Cronulla board paddler-turned coach Steve Lenton.

Big Steve, the man behind the early rise of Ky Hurst, has been quietly working away with young team at Catherine Hill Bay, a small village surf club on the southern peninsula forming Lake Macquarie, south of the Pacific Ocean entrance channel at Swansea in New South Wales.

On Friday night Steve received a phone call from one of his young board paddlers, Jye Lehmann, asking for some advice.

Jye (pictured right) had arrived in Perth for his first Aussies but suffered a dislocated shoulder on his last stroke in the semi-final of the under 15 board race.

The shoulder had originally been damaged playing rugby league three seasons ago for the North Lakes Warriors. On Friday young Jye kept running to first aid who put his left shoulder back into its socket and taped him up with Rock Tape.

But unsure whether he would be able to race, Jye phoned a friend. Big Steve.

“You can either block it out Jye and race or don’t race at all,” said the masterful coach.

First up yesterday was the Under 15 board rescue with Jye and his Under 14 team mate Brad Falzon.

Jye didn’t want to let Brad down after

the pair had qualified for the final and so the boys took their place in the final, Jye swimming and Bradley paddling.

Unfortunately Jye’s run of bad luck continued and he was stung around the mouth by a jellyfish.

After another visit to his friends at First Aid he decided to heed his coaches advice and take his place in the board final.

“I decided to see how it felt and it wasn’t too bad,” said the tough-as-teak rugby league five-eighth.

“I got a pretty good start, sat with Josh Cuthbert from Warilla until Hayden Copping from Swansea Belmont joined in and I was able to paddle away on the way home.”

Twenty-four hours after dislocating his shoulder young Jye Lehmann won his first Aussies gold medal in a remarkable performance.

“We were worried but now very proud of what Jye did for Brad and in his own race, it was very special,” said Jye’s mum Narelle.

And board rescue partner Brad Falzon will head home tomorrow to tell his mum and dad about his mate Jye, the kid who dislocated his shoulder and won gold.

They sure do breed ‘em tough in Catho and you get the feeling it won’t be the last Aussies gold he’ll win either.

Big Steve will see to that.

The Aussies 2014 | 07sls.com.au/aussies • #Aussies2014

SUNDAY EVENT TIMES8:00 Open Men Boats (QF),

Open Ironman (SF), U-17 Women Ski

8:10 U-17 Men Ski

8:20 U-17 Women Surf (SF)

8:30 R&R All divisions as required, March Past Open/U-23/U-17 Including Club Grand Parade

9:30 Open Women Double Ski, U-17 Women Surf (F)

9:40 Open Men Double Ski, U-17 Men Surf

9:50 U-19 Women Surf

10:00 U-19 Men Surf, U-17 Women Board

10:10 U-17 Men Board

10:20 U-19 Women Board

10:30 U-19 Men Board

10:45 Open Women Belt

10:55 Open Men Belt

11:10 Open Women Board

11:20 Open Men Board

11:35 U-19 Men Ski

11:45 Open Women Ski

11:55 Open Men Ski

12:05 U-15 Ironwoman

12:15 U-15 Ironman

12:25 U-19 Ironwoman

12:45 U-19 Ironman

1:05 U-17 Ironwoman

1:25 U-17 Ironman, U-23 Men Boat

1:35 U-23 Women Boat

1:45 Open Ironwoman

2:05 Open Ironman

2:20 Open Women Boat

2:30 Open Men Boat

2:40 Open Women Taplin

2:55 Open Men Taplin

FINALS DAY PREVIEW

INDEPENDENT Risk Advisor, Paul Chivers, liaises with the Safety and Emergency Committee Chair, Steve Leahy throughout competition to ensure the integrity of risk management intent, processes and practice at the event. Chivers, who works on other events and activations including the 2014 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Future Music Festival, Deepwater and Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series, as well as The Amazing Race globally, said that the risk management practices implemented at Surf Life Saving Australia’s events are above and beyond international best practice. This is the second year Paul has worked as the Independent Risk Advisor at The Aussies.

WORLD’S BEST RISK PRACTICES AT THE AUSSIES 2014

It is finals day, and that means exciting action from the first race to the last. Ian Hanson and David Moase look at a couple of the big events on today’s program

TAPLIN RELAYCan any club stop Northcliffe winning its seventh consecutive men’s Taplin relay, the great test of a club’s depth? Led by solid gold talents like Shannon and Caine Eckstein and Olympic kayak champions Tate Smith and Murray Stewart, the Northcliffe A team looks all but invincible, but then what did we learn about sure things when Newport upset the Northcliffe ski relay combination on Wednesday? Northcliffe’s B team will be one of the A team’s toughest rivals, as will be the likes of Avoca Beach, Newport, and local hopes Trigg Island. Last year’s women’s Taplin final was one of the best races of the carnival with North Burleigh outsprinting Manly in a thrilling finish. Manly’s combination of Naomi Flood, Devon Halligan and Georgia Miller will be out to win back their title, while North Burleigh and Northcliffe both line up with two strong teams, any of which could take gold.

BOARDRedhead’s Stewart McLachlan (above) caused a sensation last year, not only winning a thrilling race but lying down on his board all the way to do it. McLachlan is in great form again this year. Surfers Paradise’s Nick Malcolm placed third in last year’s final and will look to go better today, while Northcliffe’s Mark Bint is always tough to beat. Cam Cole (Mooloolaba) has saved himself for this race, while Jackson Maynard (Currumbin), Caine Eckstein (Northcliffe) and Beau Farrell (Maroochydore) have big hopes. North Burleigh’s Brodie Moir goes into the competition as defending champion, having edged out clubmate Liz Pluimers and Bulli’s Hannah Minogue in a thrilling final, and all three could well figure in the finish again today. Northcliffe’s Alyce Bennett has long sought this title and stands a good chance, while Jordan Mercer (Noosa Heads) looms as a strong threat.

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ON BEACH PRODUCTION TEAM: David Moase, Ian Hanson, Kim Hamilton, (Hanson Media Group); Tom Parsons (SLSA Design), Kate Breeze, Bessie Quansah (SLSA Media Team); Harvie Allison, Kate Czerny, John Veage, Shanta Allison (Harvpix.com)

Find out what people are saying about The Aussies 2014 on Twitter. Remember to use the hashtag #Aussies2014 throughout the week!

Kate Ferguson @_KateFerguson_ Fun times at the SLS Aust championships this week. Smiles all ‘round @SLS_online @SLSWA #Aussies2014

Nick Leman@ NickLeeman23 So stoked to be bringing home Inverlochs first ever Aussies gold medal!!! @SLS_Online @LifeSavingVic #Aussies2014

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CHECKLISTLIVE RESULTSFor The Aussies 2014 Live Scoreboard, visit http://aussies2014.sls.com.au/For daily results, check the Results Hub at http://sls.com.au/aussies/results, updated daily.

THE AUSSIES 2014 BROADCAST SCHEDULEThe Aussies 2014 will be broadcast on Network Nine on 19 and 20 April.

Check your local guides for full details.