At the recent Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Suva Fiji, Taj Marsh of the Noosa Barbell Weightlifting club, representing Australia, won the gold medal for his division. In a flyer just released we are given full details of the event.
In a remarkable display of strength and determination, 102 kg junior athlete Taj Marsh has emerged victorious. His performance not only earned him the gold medal in the Junior 102 kg competition, but also marked a series of personal best, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the sport of weightlifting.
Competing against some of the best young weightlifters in the Commonwealth he executed a flawless snatch lifting an impressive143 kg. This achievement was closely followed by an outstanding clean and jerk, where he successfully lifted 108 kg. With these two lifts combined, Marsh achieved a total of 323kg, setting a new personal record that underscores his dedication and hard work.
His victory is not only a personal triumph but also a significant achievement for his country as he represents the future of Australian weightlifting. Under the coaching and guidance of his proud father Woogie Marsh, his future is indeed looking very bright. “His commitment and training regimen, highlights that this championship win, is just the beginning for this young athlete,” said his proud parent. “Also, we send our thanks to all our sponsors: we are forever grateful.” Virus International, Noosa Barbell club, Noosa sup co, Elane Clinical Nutrition, Integrated Rehab Centre, UniSC and Sports Hall of Fame.
On learning something of his father’s successful sporting background, it becomes easy to understand where Taj’s overall attitude to training, and above all competition, derives. Woodie’s athletic performance, as an Open Ocean athlete, competing several times in the Moloaki to Oahu World championships in Outrigging (6-man team) and stand-up paddle board racing, is something of note. Our Taj Marsh is a young man whose parents, and community, can all take pride.
For all our local athletes within the Noosa community, the last few weeks have been a very busy time indeed: be they from the world of lifesaving, martial arts, football, boxing or weightlifting.
Lifesaving
From the Sunshine Beach SLSC comes good results from the World Life Saving Championships. Held on the Gold Coast, the titles covered 10 days of competition which included the Ocean events, beach events and pool rescue. Challenging the world’s best was always going to be an incredible feat: however the Sunshine Beach Surf Club team rose to each occasion, with some outstanding results.
Dylan Wilson put people on notice with a silver medal in the world Youth Ocean Man Event leading from start to finish with Burleigh Heads Ethan Callaghan showing their dominance over the rest of the field. Dylans form once again show that he is a top calibre athlete and is looking on track for a professional debut in the Shaw and Partners Series this season.
Niamh Arthur and Claire Cameron took silver in youth board rescue title establishing the team as one of the best, following their dominance at the 2024 State and Australian titles. Gemma Welch Smith also had a strong campaign finishing 10th in the World Ocean Women’s Title and 5th in the ocean swim: Electra Outram came away with 11th in the swim and 5th in the board race, also qualifying for the ski final.
Other Sunshine team members to show top form were Freya Wilson who was consistent in all her races narrowly missing both the iron woman final (by one place) and the board final. Both these performances have shown her incredible improvement this season: Zale Outram was another who earned attention making it to the semifinals in the ski race and Ocean Man. When summarising the Sunshine Junior Team all displayed a skill set beyond their years by racing up three age divisions to qualify in all finals and fly the Sunshine Beach flag high with pride.
Our junior team consisted of: Patrick Duncanson, Ava Gooderham, Grace Davis, Rosita Ortega, Senna Greveling, Taylah Thompkins, Niamh Arthur and Clair Cameron. The Sunshine Beach team will now turn their focus to a ten-week training block on the countdown to qualify for the Swan and Partners Iron Series. Coach Wes Berg was extremely proud of the progress the team has made. “We are continually growing, having fun and challenging ourselves. This is increasing a pathway and an environment for our young athletes to shine, feel comfortable and also challenge themselves to became better human beings every day.”
With the performance of these young Sunshine Beach lifesavers at the world titles, it tells us that regarding the high standard of patrolling on this beach (that can at times be very dangerous) it could not be better. As beach patrolling is our core business, it tells us that at Sunshine, things are definitely in good hands. As lifesaving is also a major factor in the world of Tourism (something, that is far too often overlooked) this is what those involved want to hear. Therefore, a big well done to all involved.
Rugby League.
On Saturday evening several hundred players and supporters gathered at Pirates Park to celebrate the end of season, and mark it with their presentation of awards for players and support group. In his welcome speech club President Liam Anlezark welcomed all.
“It has been a great season and despite not winning any of the three top premiership the fact that we made the finals said a lot. Also, I acknowledge the fact that this is our 50 years of playing the game, and I recognise the people that have worked over the years to give us the club we have today. So, many thanks to our sponsors and above our coaching panel for getting all major teams into the finals.”
Head Coach Michael Duff also expressed his feelings regarding the season. “I was a bit disappointed with the final game results: however, I was very proud with the performance of our teams and the way we played our way through to the finals. I would like to add that following this I feel very confident for the season ahead.”
Under the guidance of the coaching panel, it has become apparent that there is definitely a good feeling from within the ranks of the club. A good culture is starting to consolidate and with it comes team spirit and above all a winning attitude: this can’t help but encourage a great support group for the season ahead.
Regarding major awards for the four divisions theye were as followers. Best and Fairest C grade, Arlo Kasmaroski, Reserve grade Jake Bullen, Women’s Kat Anderson, A grade Kris Williams. The Player of the Year went to Rohan Messer and the Pirate of the Year Award, the O’Grady Medal (Joint winners) Rohan Messer and Lochie Delbridge. As with all bigger clubs there are always many minor awards, so to all those well done for the season.
Also working from within the ranks of the club is a young gentleman, Beau Condon. Working as Operations and Games Development Officer, his job is growth participation (of the game) in the schools; thus- creating a feeder into club land. There will be more on this project in the weeks ahead.
Away from the playing field it was good to see the acknowledgment for the ongoing, outstanding contribution, made to club life, by Life Member Greg Furner. Greg was the recipient of the Long Service Award for 35 years of dedicated loyalty: an award that was well deserved.
Next week more news from the world of Martial Arts: via Professor Yoshi Hasegawa Jiu-Jitsu and Bryan Dukas Shotokan Karate. But this Saturday the Seahorse Nippers gather for another season at Main Beach, starting at 8am-with helpers required from 7.30am.
