Saturday was a day to remember for Egypt who made the world of lifesaving stand up and take notice on the sand this afternoon.
The Egyptians were defending champions in both Beach Relays, and a new lineup wasn’t a worry for the women who were first to strike gold.
The team of Engy Tarek Yassen, Malak Ayman Rashwan, Maram Mahmoud Regal and Hala Sedky Ahmed managed to hold on till the end after leading for most of the race.
“We train together, we have national camps together” said Yaseen. “For most of us it is our first time competing at World Championships”
“First Medal, so very happy”
The Men’s team gave themselves a harder task, needing to come back from fifth with 75m to run however they streaked home to win and into the arms of a rapturous team.
“We are so excited mate” said Egypt’s teams’ translator. “We are so proud – men and women done it properly”
Nearly all nations around the track joined in the chant of ‘Egypt! Egypt!’ in what was a pair of popular victories.
The results came on the back of Maram Mahmoud Regal winning bronze in the Open Women’s beach sprint.
“I can’t believe it, so happy to have gotten the bronze” she said.
Although young, Regal was hoping to be number one, something to keep training for.
“Lots of nerves and very stressed, however, to make the final was an achievement in itself,” she mentioned.
Even more nations are hoping to make their mark on the Lifesaving World Championships in the future and are using their experience on the Gold Coast to learn more about what it takes to be the best.
For Indian athlete Regina Kiro, transitioning between ocean events and sand-based events has been challenging.
“It was very hard, not what I am used to,” Kiro admitted after her Surf Race heat. “I prefer the run over the water – the current is strong.”
Despite the difficulties, Kiro’s participation highlights India’s growing presence in the international arena, as athletes like her push their limits in new and challenging disciplines.
Italy’s Carlotta Tortello, at just 22 years of age, is participating in her first World Championships.
While she typically focuses on ocean events, Tortello has taken on the challenge of competing in both the flags and beach sprints this year.
“So difficult, they run so fast,” Tortello remarked, reflecting on the intense competition. However, she remains optimistic, adding, “But I am happy with my run. They are very strong, these girls.”
Tortello’s willingness to compete in sand events, despite her lack of experience, demonstrates her determination to excel in all aspects of the sport.
Her participation in multiple events shows that Italy is keen on developing well-rounded athletes capable of competing on various terrains.
Czech athlete Dominika Gerzova has made significant strides in both ocean and sand events.
Fresh off a strong performance in the surf race heat where she placed eighth, Gerzova went on to score a top 20 finish in the final ahead of athletes from bigger lifesaving nations such as Canada and Spain.
“Very happy to be here,” she said. “I was here in 2018, this is my third World Championships, and I was in Italy for 2022.”
With her experience and positive attitude, Gerzova embodies the spirit of competition, proving that athletes from nations like the Czechia are increasingly making their presence felt in the sand events.
