Their domination of the Surf Sports category at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence is testament to success, but 2022 Coach of the Year Tom Rampoldi says the competitive nature of his triplet daughters – three quarters of the 2022 Surf Sports Team of the Year – had been rearing its head long before they hit the sand.
“It starts at the dinner table with the food intake and goes from there, everything has to be a competition,” Tom said with a smile.
It’s an instinct born in the home but bred on the beach, where the girls – Emily, Alex and Leah – and indeed their father, have translated the family dynamic into Gold medals at Branch, State and National level.
“Through it all, somehow, the psyche between them, they just have this knowledge of how to work,” Tom continued.
“It is very competitive, we all just want to one up each other sometimes,” Leah said.
“We’ve all got our different aspects we’re better at as well.”
“At the same time, we know what each other are thinking and we can use that in a way to know where we’re going and we can work together that way,” Emily added.
Even their teammate – the final piece of the Surf Sports Team of the Year puzzle, Lucy Flanagan – feels she’s like a fourth Rampoldi sister.
“It’s so much fun being in a team with them,” she said.
“We’re always there for each other, it’s a nice group to have around you.”
Their success comes from a foundation that isn’t only internal – it’s club-wide – and the Rampoldi’s are confident North Cronulla SLSC is building towards being a big player in Surf Sports.
“Getting these results and accolades is pretty special,” Leah said.
“Younger athletes can look up to us and dad and some of the other people around the club and be motivated,” Alex added.
“I think we’ve got the balance really good at North Cronulla,” Tom said.
“Our club is getting rebuilt; in the next 2-3 years we are going to be a major force within the Bate Bay.
“When it all comes down to it these girls are all switched on.
“Everyone’s a good worker, everyone knows the processes that are required, they’re a great group. Success will always come from there.”
SURF SPORTS AWARDS
Official of the Year – Mick Lang, Tacking Point SLSC
Coach of the Year – Tom Rampoldi, North Cronulla SLSC
Surf Sports Team of the Year – Open Female Beach Relay Team, North Cronulla SLSC
Youth Athlete of the Year – Lucy Flanagan, North Cronulla SLSC
Masters Athlete of the Year – Hannah Minogue, Bulli SLSC
Athlete of the Year – Hannah Minogue, Bulli SLSC
Wednesday 31 August 2022