Despite having just turned 19, Electra Outram has her goals in life firmly set- in concrete. First, it’s the world of sport. Her career in sport started when her parents enrolled her, at age 5, as a Nipper in the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving club.
Regarding her future, this started two years ago, when on graduating from Sunshine Beach State High School, she immediately enrolled as a student in the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs. On doing so she skipped the gap year and undertook to study for a double degree: Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce (accounting).
Now having successfully finished her second year of study, this young lady, Electra said, “I couldn’t be happier, I am enjoying Uni life: the lectures and making new friends, everything about it is great. And most important of all, I am doing what I want to do. On completion of my studies, I am seriously thinking of corporate law or contracts; but at this stage, I am definitely keeping my options open.”
However, because of the heavy study demands caused by embarking on a double degree, arranging training programs required for her sporting life, can be difficult. “However, I have found that by being flexible regarding times, and by sometimes being prepared to train separately from the club I have found it can work. But being flexible is the key to the whole problem, the most important thing.”
Her love of competing in surf sports started as a nipper. Electra started her career in the nippers at Sunshine Beach as a U/6, but changed to Noosa as an u/14.and immediately started to compete. In doing so she was immediately attracted to the iron woman event. “The iron woman drew my attention because it had all different disciplines, the swim, board, ski and run. To me this was the real challenge. I became heavily committed right through to u/17 and decided to continue right through to now.”
The results have been nothing short of outstanding: winning both the u/14 and u/15 Australian Iron Woman Championships. However not just restricting herself to this one event she, as a u/17, finished 3rd in the Australian surf race final. Then in the 2017/18 season, while still 16 yrs. of age, she teamed up with Jordy Mercer and Lana Rogers ( under coach Darren Mercer) to win the Australian Open Women’s Taplin Relay: this event which consists of a ski , swim and board, saw Electra paddle the board. “This was at Perth and we had a glassy flat shore dump but the results for us could not have been better. For me that was a great year: 3rd in the national surf race, won the Australian Taplin and also, named a member of the Australian Youth Team. For me it could not have been better.”
Her next major carnival the Summer of Surf saw her, for the first time, contest the Nutri Grain Series. This she did for two successive seasons, finishing 13th overall both years. Also, in that second year 2018/19 she won the U/19 female ski at the Australian Titles. This year, health regulations permitting, she will contest the Nutri Grain Championship. This will consist of 6 rounds over 3 weekends, with each weekend having two rounds. “It is going to be tough, one round Saturday and one on Sunday,” said Electra, “with the starting date hopefully to be January. The series has already been cancelled once so it has really made our training times very difficult . To be peaked both physically and mentally for a major carnival, have it cancelled , then start again is unbelievable.”
What does it take to be so successful? The answer is simple. First you wake at 4.45am, go to the pool , swim from 5.30 till 7am (4-6 kl), 12 noon, board or ski paddle (1.30 hrs),afternoon 30-minute run, then finish off with a 1-hour gym session. But above all you have to have the self- discipline and dedication: what makes her really successful is her personality, happy and friendly with lots of laughs. And her great sense of humour. However, we must never loose sight of the fact ,that this comes after many hours of lectures and study, as a student at the Sippy Downs University. Apart from the commitments of representing her club in competition, she also has her beach duties as a member of Patrol 2.to fulfill: and this she does.
Away from all this, her main interests are first of all- family: “I have a passion for the ocean, I really love it, I have been going with the family, (mum dad and two brothers), to the beach since I was very little.” Then there is reading. “I am a real book- worm, read anything I can get my hands on.’’ Then she adds with a laugh, “Also, there is cheese cake and chocolate, I just can’t get enough” This, after attending several social functions, has been so noted by her life member and long service support group.
Within the boundaries of our community, it is very gratifying indeed to meet a young person such as Electra Outram. With her incredible self- discipline, attitude to study and visions of a successful career in the world of corporate business, life for our young lady, is to say, the least promising and exciting. We wish her well.
