The third and final day of the Masters Pool Rescue at the World Lifesaving Championships
The third and final day of the Masters Pool Rescue at the World Lifesaving Championships capped off a fantastic few days of international competition, with more World Records falling across the age brackets. The competition now heads to Kurrawa Beach for the ocean and beach events.
New Zealand pair Andrew Jensen and Andrew Cain might be the only two members of their club, New Brighton Christchurch, competing in the Pool Rescue events but they made the most of their time securing five gold medals and two silver between them.
“We thought it was a great opportunity to compete and also enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast and Queensland weather and holiday spots. We brought our extended families over and will see the sights after this. We have another two members of the Club competing in the women’s ocean competition next week otherwise it’s just us.”
“I have been lucky to pick up three gold medals and Andy has won four medals. I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger and then had a couple of kids and the dad bod came out so I thought I’d get fit and do this. There’s some local Aussie lads who are giving me a run for my money but the experience has been fantastic.”
Francois Bockstaele from Belgium, who secured a world record on Day 2 in the Manikin Tow with Fins, summed up the weekend’s competition.
“It’s been incredible, we are loving it here. Great racing, great weather and great people.”
Francois, who is also a world record holder in the 200m Butterfly at the World Masters [Pool] Swimming Championships in 2019 in South Korea, is joined on the Gold Coast by his son Shean who will suit up for the Belgium National Open Team later this week.
“A few years ago, I was competing in the ocean events of the Belgium Lifesaving Champs, and someone landed on my shoulder, so I have been coming back from that injury into the sport since then. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my son Shean as he was selected for the National Belgium Team so I thought I would come also and now I have a World Record, so it is very good.”
“Shean was a very good football player but he had bad knees so the doctor told him you must stop football and swim or cycle, so he started swimming and in just five years he has now made the National Team and is here at the World Lifesaving Championships which is just unbelievable. I am very proud of him.”
Marcelo Tonelli from Spain, attending his second World Lifesaving Championships, said the setting [on the Gold Coast] was amazing and he was loving being back after ten years.
“The competition is very high, some ex elite swimmers here so I am absolutely happy to secure a gold medal in my 200m Obstacles. The beach tomorrow will be tougher as the conditions here are different from anywhere else, so we look forward to seeing what happens in the next few days.”
The Masters Competition now moves to Kurrawa in Broadbeach with competitors going head to head in a range of events including Surf race, Oceanman and Oceanwoman, Surf Ski race, Board race, Beach Sprints, Beach Flags, 2km Beach Run, Board Rescue and Relays.
The Lifesaving World Championships 2024 continues through Sunday 8 September.
WORLD RECORDS POOL RESCUE MASTERS DAY 3
Joel Gitelson (USA, Los Angeles County Lifeguards – 3rd World Record) – Men’s 75+ 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Shirley Kemp (AUS, Tweed Heads Coolangatta – 3rd World Record) – Women’s 75+ 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Jennifer Whiteley (AUS, The Hills Swimming & Lifesaving Club – 3rd World Record) – Women’s 65-69 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Ronnie Dalsgaard (AUS, Manly SLSC – 2nd World Record) – Men’s 40-44 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Gonzalo Chicharro Arderius (ESP, Vallecas SOS – 2nd World Record) – Men’s 70-74 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Dan Kingsley (AUS, Shelly Beach SLSC) – Men’s 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Jeanette Libera-Korner (GER, Luckenwalde) – Women’s 50-54 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
Bruna Ravera (ITA, Aquatica Torino) – Women’s 55-59 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Tuesday 27 August: Official Opening Ceremony including parade of nations and popstar and former nipper, Cody Simpson singing the Australian National Anthem
Wednesday 28 August – Sunday 1 September: National Teams Competition
Monday 2 September – Sunday 8 September: Inter Club Competition featuring international and Australian club teams and individuals.
For full results please visit: https://liveheats.com/ils
The Lifesaving World Championships is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
