Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving duo shine at World Champs
Nicolette Challenor and Max Davidson were part of the South African national squad that finished eighth overall at the championships.
TWO Umhlanga Rocks (Rox) Surf Lifesaving Club members performed admirably at this year’s International Life Saving Federation (ILS) World Championships held in Riccione, Italy.
Nicolette Challenor and Max Davidson were part of the South African national squad that finished eighth overall at the championships.
Challenor won Silver in the Beach Sprints Relay event while Davidson won Bronze in the Junior Boys’ Beach Sprints event.
The teenager just missed out on a medal in the Junior Girls’ sprint to finish fourth but said she was pleased with her results.
“I was happy with some of my results. It was my first world champs, so there is definitely a lot to learn and improve on to help me in the future to achieve more of my goals. I definitely learnt a lot of things and was so grateful to have been given this opportunity. Competing at that level is very tough and tactical. There is definitely a lot for me to work on that will help me to better myself,” the 18-year-old said.
This was the youngster’s second national cap after she represented South Africa at the Lifesaving Africa Championships held in Alexandra, Egypt earlier this year.
“Competing for my country is an honour, and forming some of the best friendships along the way is definitely the best part of making this team. Lifesaving has such a special place in my heart; I’ve always loved the sport and wish more people knew about it. I’ve met some of the most amazing people at these competitions and made some good friendships and memories,” she said.
For Davidson, the World Champs was his first national call-up and one he’ll never forget.
“It was a true honour to be able to win an individual medal wearing the green and gold. All around, I had a great experience. Being able to meet and interact with competitors from all over the world with the same drive and ambitions was amazing. And also, the experience and lessons I learned while competing have made me into a more knowledgeable competitor,” he said.
Speaking on his Bronze in the Beach Sprints, Davidson said he had hoped for better, however, he was still pleased.
“Beach Sprints is my main event, and I went there to win. However, the race, unfortunately, did not go according to plan, partly because of the nerves as it was my first time competing internationally. Sand can be very unpredictable in nature, and I stumbled at the start. I cannot make excuses, and it has motivated me to try even harder in any international event,” he said.
