As the 2019 NSW Envirobank Country Championships looms on the horizon here at Surf Life Saving NSW we are taking the opportunity to profile some of those athletes striving to make their mark at Kingscliff Beach.


Narooma’s Elli Beecham will be making her 6th appearance at the NSW Country Championship in 2019 with the talented teenager keen to continue her good form on the sand.



Adept at both the Beach Sprint and Flags Elli has secured five medals at this level since she burst onto the scene.



Last season was something of a breakthrough for the Far South Coast athlete as she enjoyed her maiden title at Southwest Rocks before ending 2018 with a second placed finish at the Interbranch Championships.



In an age where coaching is become ever more advanced the un-coached Beecham prefers the simplicity of working with her father and maintains fitness by participating in a variety of different sports.



It’s an approach that is clearly is working for her.



Whether she is wearing her club cap or the green and white of the Far South Coast Elli Beecham is an example of an athlete always prepared to give her best.



Name: Elli Beecham



Club:  Narooma SLSC



Age Group: U15



Events you are planning to contest:  Beach Flags and Sprint events





Elli Beecham powers down the straight while representing the Far South Coast Branch




How long have you been involved in surf lifesaving? For 9 years.



What do you enjoy most about being a member of a surf lifesaving club? The competition at local and representative carnivals, friendships I have made at my home club and across the state, and being an active patrolling member.



How has your training been going for the Country Championships? It’s been good. I am involved in a lot of team sports throughout the year and have been doing gym and beach sessions when I am not doing other sports. I don’t have a coach so dad helps me with all of my training.  



What are your goals for the Championships and the rest of the season? My main goal is to have fun. I would also like to defend my Beach Flags title and continue to improve on my sprint results both at Country and other competitions.



Do you have any pre-event superstitions or preparations? Not really except I do enjoy my vegemite toast and milo before competing. On the day I like to be on my own just to think and do my warmups.  



What are you most looking forward to about Country Championships? The actual competition itself, seeing my fellow competitors who I have gotten to know over the years, and the chance to have a holiday.  



Are there any surf athletes you admire or have found to be an inspiration and why? Melissa Hoar. She was an Aussie, State and Country champ in Flags/Sprints and also represented Australia at the Winter Olympics in the Luge. She is very encouraging and has helped me with some training. When she comes home from the USA, she always gives back to the club and town that helped her.



Previous Results:




  • 2015 NSW Country Championships – 2nd Beach Sprints

  • 2016 NSW Country Championships – 3rd Beach Sprints

  • 2017 NSW Country Championships – 3rd Beach Sprints, 3rd Beach Flags

  • 2018 NSW Country Championships – 1st Beach Flags

  • 2018 Interbranch Championships – 2nd Beach Flags




Elli's home grown technique is bringing her some fantastic results. Here is she is in action for her club Narooma with her eyes firmly fixed on the flags.



 



Thursday 24 January 2019