Australia is often seen as a dominant force in the National Youths for Lifesaving World Championships.

Recent competitions however have shown that the tides can turn, with international athletes seizing the moment to shine.

This shift was evident today with South African ski paddler Matthew Brading causing a boilover while Spain’s board rescue team of Natalia Cabanillas Rodriguez and Ana Bailon Barrios also proved Australia doesn’t always get its way in the ocean.

Brading’s performance in a highly-competitive men’s ski final was a moment of intense rivalry and personal achievement.

Reflecting on the race, Brading described the exhilarating experience of battling against strong competitors.

“I thought it was just me and the two Australians on the first wave,” he said.

“Then I looked to the side and saw someone’s nose go sideways, and that’s when I realised there were five of us on the front wave.”

For Brading, the key to victory was maintaining focus and keeping his ski’s nose straight as he powered through to win.

The win was especially significant given his struggles in other events, where he placed 10th in the Oceanman and was disqualified in the board rescue.

“It’s the most amazing feeling ever,” he said, overwhelmed with emotion. “It means the absolute world to me… it is an absolute privilege to represent my country and to win on the biggest stage.”

Brading’s victory underscores the importance of resilience and mental toughness.

After a disappointing performance in a previous race, he turned to one of the national coaches for advice.

“What makes a good athlete is not how you did in your last race,” he was told.

In another surprising turn of events, Spain emerged victorious in the Youth Women’s Board Rescue, beating out teams from traditionally strong ocean-sport nations like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

“Really excited, we worked really hard for this race, and everything worked out as planned,” said Bailon Barrios, thrilled with their unexpected win.

Despite the line up of the competition, they entered the race with confidence.

“Of course, we thought we were gonna win, what’s the point of racing if you don’t think you are gonna win?”

As they approached the final wave, the absence of Australia from their side signalled that their hard work might pay off.

“We were both like, ‘Oh my goodness, it may happen,’ and it happened,” they shared, expressing their excitement and honour at their victory.

Eve Abrahams, another standout competitor, won the Youth Women’s Flag event, overcoming her nerves and the pressure of performing in front of a large crowd.

“I was so nervous at the start,” she admitted. “It was such a big crowd, and the start was very important to me because that’s what I messed up in the sprints.”

Her determination paid off, as she executed a flawless run that secured her victory.

“That run was so flipping amazing,” Abrahams said. “I really did think I had a big chance of winning this, and I’m really glad that I did.”

Despite moments of self-doubt and questioning her coaches and parents, Abrahams ultimately triumphed, a victory she attributes to the support and guidance she received.

“I am very proud of myself,” she said, reflecting on her journey.