Omanu’s Molly Shivnan has been named as part of the Black Fins heading to the Lifesaving World Championships in Australia.

The Lifesaving World Championships is the world’s biggest international lifesaving sport competition.

Held every two years, this year the event is being held in Queensland and will run for three weeks, from August 20 to September 8.

During this time, up to 7000 athletes, including Olympic and World Champions, from youth to masters, will be competing for the title of ‘World’s Best’.

“We’re excited about this year’s team as it’s got a good mix of youth and experience,” says SLSNZ high performance sport manager Tanya Hamilton.

“We’ve also had a fantastic sport season here in New Zealand with athletes pulling out some incredible performances.

“We know we’ll give our competitors a run for their money, especially Australia – our toughest rivals. We can’t wait to head across the Tasman to compete.”

The Lifesaving World Championships will be split into three areas – pool, beach, and ocean.

The pool events, including obstacle swim, rescue medley, and manikin carry, will be held at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.

The beach and ocean events, including surf race, iron race, and beach flags will take place at Kurrawa Beach.

“Lifesaving is a unique sport as it’s a sport with a cause. 

“All the athletes competing are qualified surf lifeguards and the events showcase the skills and physical abilities required to save a life.  It’s also a fun and exciting sport to watch as competitors not only go up against each other but also mother nature. 

“They’ve got to do battle with the elements, which means anything can happen.”

The lifesaving sport community will also be wanting to put its best foot forward as the International Life Saving Federation has announced it’s put a bid in for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

In a statement, ILS President Graham Ford AO says internationally lifesaving sport continues to grow and there has never been a better time to pursue the Olympic pathway. 

“Lifesaving sport aligns perfectly with the International Olympic Committee’s vision of ‘building a better world through sport’, with all members of our sport committed to not only top-level competition but also saving lives through their humanitarian work in volunteer organisations.”

The team heading to Australia at the end of August:

*Represents Lifesaving World Championships Black Fins debut

Black Fins:

Briana Irving - Waikanae SLSC

Chris Dawson - Midway SLSC

Cory Taylor – Midway SLSC

Fergus Eadie - Mairangi SLSC

Joe Collins - Fitzroy SLSC*

Louis Clark - Mairangi Bay SLSC*

Madison Kidd - Whangamatā SLSC

Molly Shivnan - Omanu SLSC

Olivia Corrin – Midway SLSC

Oska Smith - Waikanae SLSC*

Rae Kwan - Ōrewa SLSC*

Zoe Crawford - Mairangi Bay SLSC*

Support Team:

Steve Kent - Campaign Lead 

Fiona Hastie - Logistics Lead

Andy McMillan - Pool Coach

Kevin Morrison - Ocean Coach

Arna Majstrovic - Beach Coach (Youth & Open teams)

Tom Lowe - Assistant Pool Coach/Analyst

Byron Reid - Competition Manager

Dr Theo Dorfling - Team Doctor (Youth & Open teams)

Kendal Stevenson - Physiotherapist

*Represents Lifesaving World Championships Junior Black Fins debut

Junior Black Fins:

Bella Wansbrough - East End SLSC*

Daniel Callebaut - East End SLSC*

Issac Gear - Piha/NZ SLSC*

Jasper Cornish - Red Beach SLSC*

Laine Creighton - Red Beach SLSC*

Michaela Pocock - Mairangi Bay SLSC*

Milana Tapper - Whangamatā SLSC*

Sophie Petro – Midway SLSC*

Tara Shotter - East End SLSC*

Yahni Brown – Midway SLSC*

Zak Johnson - East End SLSC*

Zoe Pederson - Red Beach SLSC*

Support Team:

Zac Franich - Campaign Lead

Marcus Forbes - Team Manager

Tom Lowe - Technical Support (Pool)

Bjorn Battaerd - Assistant Coach

William Wilkins - Assistant Manager

Holly Fletcher - Performance Pathway Lead

Mike Ellis - Physiotherapist

SLSNZ will name the Black Props (Inflatable Rescue Boat team) for the Lifesaving World Championships, in June.