From Athlete to World Champion—Again: My 2024 World Lifesaving Champs Journey

I know its been a while since this feat but I really needed to process it all and then you know life got in the way. I wanted to share the experience as it was so profound so here we go.

It was an intense 3 days of racing, reflecting, learning, and connecting with athletes from across the globe. My World Champs campaign wasn’t just about medals—it was about growth, resilience, and rediscovering what it means to perform at your best, especially decades after my first stint on the world stage.

If you’d told me two years ago that I’d be diving headfirst into international competition again, I would have laughed and said, “Not a chance.” But here we are. And I’m celebrating every moment of this incredible chapter.

The Results? Beyond My Wildest Expectations

Individual Events
🥇 Gold – 100m Tow – New Australian Record, PB
🥈 Silver – 100m Manikin Carry – New Australian Record, PB (just 0.24 off the old World Record!)
🥉 Bronze – 50m Manikin Carry – PB

Team Events
🥇 Gold – Obstacle Relay
🥇 Gold – Medley Relay
🥇 Gold – Manikin Relay

What makes these results even more special? I approached my preparation differently this time. I leaned into everything I’ve spent the last 20 years coaching others on—recovery strategies, sleep optimization, breathwork, biomechanics, and nervous system regulation. I became my own case study. It wasn’t always smooth, but it was powerful.

It Took a Village (and Then Some)

Competing at this level—especially in my age group—requires more than just talent or hard work. It takes support, care, patience, and a whole lot of belief from others.

To the Bondi Surf Club and our brilliant training crew: Nick Nezval, Sam Howe, Nigel Tunbridge, and Adam Moore—thank you for pushing and believing in me.

To the incredible team that kept my body functioning through it all—Ramona Chryssidis, Lynn Mulhearn, Michael, Jen, James, and Jana—you are miracle workers.

To my Mum and son—thank you for your patience through my tired and cranky days, and for always cheering me on.

To Nicole and Renee, thank you for helping me navigate the chaos behind the scenes and being in my corner through it all.

Reflections from the Blocks

Competing again after so many years reminded me that performance evolves. It doesn’t end with age—it just asks for a new kind of wisdom. I had to recalibrate everything I thought I knew. What worked for me in my 20s didn’t work in my 40s. But what I’ve learned, and now teach others—that did.

I’m beyond grateful for this experience. For the opportunity to show my son what’s possible. For the chance to prove to myself that it’s never too late to chase excellence. And for the community who walked every step with me.

This was more than a race. It was a return, a reconnection, and a reminder:
We’re capable of far more than we think—at any age, on any stage.

Here’s to whatever comes next.

– Alex