Two New South Wales athletes will be getting some new stamps in their passports next month after they were announced as part of the Australian Life Saving Pool Rescue Team that will be travelling to Europe as preparations for next year’s World Championships continue to gather momentum.
Terrigal’s Tim Schofield and Umina’s Rachel Wood were on Thursday named in a 10-strong national squad that will contest the German Cup (November 25-26) before shifting to the Netherlands for the Orange Cup (December 2-3).
The Australian’s will be out to continue their proud track record at these European competitions while also taking the opportunity to get a first-hand look at their potential opponents for next year’s World Lifesaving Championships that are to be staged in Adelaide.
Schofield is highly experienced on the international stage and has also captained his country, while Wood is enjoying a rapid rise into the senior ranks with this trip being her second open tour after travelling to the World Games in Poland as an injury replacement in July.
Those chosen to wear the green and gold for the trip will also be a part of history at the Orange Cup as for the first time in the eight decade existence of the Australian Life Saving Team two senior capped teams will be competing on the same weekend.
As the Aussies take to the pool in Eindhoven 18,000 kilometres away at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand at the DHL International Surf Rescue Challenge their beach and surf teammates will be doing their best to capture another trophy for the cabinet.
Six NSW athletes were named in that squad in September.
Newport trio Georgia Miller, Jake Lynch, and Blake Drysdale will be joined on tour by Kendrick Louis (Manly), and young-guns Jemma Smith (Umina) and Lizzie Welborn (North Bondi) will be making the trip across the Tasman.
Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon said the inclusion of the eight NSW based athletes in both teams highlights the depth of talent currently plying their trade in the state.
“In NSW we’re extremely fortunate to have so many athletes capable of making the step up to the world stage, and I am sure that those selected are going to give an exceptional account of themselves at their respective competitions.
“I would like to wish all those wearing the green and gold the very best of luck as they rise to the challenge of taking on the best in the world,” Mr Pidgeon concluded.
The German Cup, Orange Cup, and DHL International Surf Rescue Challenge represent a golden chance for those selected to make their case for inclusion in the national side that will travel to Adelaide next year with the extended squad to be reduced to the final team in May.
For the full team announcement click here [external].
Friday 27 October 2017