Tyne van Achterbergh of Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club recently returned from Australia, where he represented South Africa at the World Junior Surf Lifesaving Championships.
He earned a silver medal in the surf swim event.
After progressing through the heats relatively easily, Tyne swam one of the best races of his life when he split the highly favoured Australian duo on the rostrum, finishing in second position.
During the gruelling two-day event, in which 16 countries competed, Tyne also finished fourth in boards, eighth in the ocean-man event and thirteenth in the ski race while combining with his SA teammates to finish fourth in two relays.
The facilities were top-class, and the standard of competition was way higher than anticipated, but Tyne benefited tremendously from the experience.
“I am honoured to have represented my country and club at the world champs,” said Tyne.
“Winning the silver medal in the surf swim was the highlight of my trip, and it has inspired me to train harder for future international events.”
Tyne then stayed on to represent Scottburgh SLC at the three-day World U19 Club Lifesaving Champs.
This competition was dominated by the Australian clubs, and Tyne did well to make the final of the surf swim out of 130 competitors.
He finished in a credible nineteenth position and was the first non-Australian in the field.
Tyne said that despite being the only member from Scottburgh SLC, he was motivated by the messages he received from family, club members and friends back home.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who contributed in any way to make this memorable experience possible for me.”
Locally, the new 2024/25 lifesaving season has started.
Tyne gave his competition a taste of what he learned in Australia by winning the Ocean Man 2km Swim in Durban last weekend.
An exciting, competitive season surely lies ahead for him.
– (Owen Kuyper – Scottburgh SLC vice-chairman)
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