REPRESENTING your country at an international competition while also writing your matric exams is no small feat. Just ask Durban North resident, Alice Edward, who will be representing the South African junior team at this year’s Lifesaving World Championships (LWC) in Adelaide (Australia).
So determined is the Durban Girls’ College learner, that she has decided to write four of her final exams next year, in order to shine on the international stage.
Edward, who represented the country earlier this year at the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup, said she is looking forward to her first world champs.
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“I’ve been to the world champs before in the Netherlands, but at that stage I was representing my club, Suncoast Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club, so Australia is going to prove to be a completely new experience for me. I will be staying on after the world champs conclude to represent the Pirates in the club competition. I’ve been working very hard on my ironwoman training, particularly with my swimming as I prefer endurance events, I’ll also be taking part in the ski and board events,” she said.
Edward, who won the U19 age group at SA Surf Lifesving Champs was also named victrix ludorum. Despite her successes, she is under no illusion of the type of competition she will face down under.
“I think the junior competition will be even tougher at this world champs as there are more countries competing. The Aussies will be very tough to beat on their home turf and the Kiwis will also be strong. Having said I feel I’ve prepared enough and though I’m nervous, I’m excited to see where I come in the competition. I’m confident in my abilities and know I can do well,” she said.
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Edward thanked her parents and her coaches who have helped her during her preparations of the champs.
“Both my parents are going to Australia with me and that’s a huge motivation for me. They’ve been my support system and I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. IMy coaches, Luke Nisbet, Alisdair Hatfield, Russel Sadler and Lee McGregor have also been amazing in giving me all I need to succeed in Australia,” she said.
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