Eight student athletes and one alumna of Matthew Flinders Anglican College have qualified to compete in the Life Saving World Championships on the Gold Coast, involving clubs from 50 countries across the globe, from 20 August to 8 September.
The students are all part of the College’s Flinders Elite Athlete Program, which this year supports 45 talented student athletes across more than 20 sports.
FEAP provides student athletes with wide-ranging mentoring and support as they strive to perform with distinction at an elite level while embracing a quality education.
Competing in the Life Saving World Championships is Britt Ackerley (Year 11), Pipi Barlow (Year 10), Grace McManis (Year 11), Luca Widmer (Year 11), Tom Basford (Year 12), Serena Bond (Year 12), Sienna Carter (Year 10) and Sive Gibson (Year 11).
Also competing is Flinders alumna Ally Clarke (Flinders Class of 2017) who competed in the Canoe Sprint Kayak Four (WK4) 500m event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Britt Ackerley said her busy schedule is made more manageable with support from the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP) and as a scholarship recipient.
“With all this time I am missing school, I am so grateful for everything that Matthew Flinders Anglican College does to support my journey,” Britt said.
“Flinders allows me to balance my sport and studies and take advantage of all the opportunities I have.
“My goals for surf lifesaving are to make the professional Shaw and Partners Iron Series, which is the top level of the sport, and to race for the Australian Open Team in the World Championships in Morocco in 2026.
“I am passionate about my sport and also want to build a career in the future that isn’t solely focused on surf life saving. A career in physiotherapy is a possibility as it could take me to so many places.”
Britt’s recent competition highlights include racing at the Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic in February where she won Overall Board Champion by winning first place in the U17 Board Race and two second place in the U17 Ironwoman races as well as a fifth in the Surf Ski.
At the Queensland State Titles in March, Britt came away with seven medals from eight events, including three firsts in the taplin, ski rescue and board relay.
She recently returned from a two-week Youth Development Tour of California, USA, competing in the San Clemente Ocean Festival and the California Regional Championships as part of the Maroochydore Surf Club Team.
Through FEAP, Britt is supported to manage her study and assessment schedules while also learning time management skills and working with experts to boost her knowledge of nutrition, injury management, performance mindset and breathwork.
“I love the athlete culture at Flinders. The Flinders Elite Athlete Program creates a wonderful opportunity for athletes from many different sports to mix and become friends, which is a great support when times are hectic.”
FEAP director Lauren Nourse said, “Britt has so much to be proud of.
“Her commitment to her sport and studies is inspiring and we are delighted to guide her as part of our FEAP. She is a positive role model for her peers.”
