Layne Beachley says Aussie surfers gold medal chances in Tokyo Olympic debut
AUSTRALIA’S most successful surfer Layne Beachley says Australia can be the most successful nation when the sport of surfing makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo.
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AUSTRALIA’S most successful surfer Layne Beachley says Australia can be the most successful nation when the sport of surfing makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo.
But who those surfers will be even Beachley won’t predict three years out from the Games — just the type of talent they need to have.
“Someone who can surf in marginal conditions,” Beachley said. “It is not expected to be epic.”
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The former seven-time world champion is involved at a high level with the sport and is the current chair of Surfing Australia.
Part of her role has her overseeing and monitoring both the sport and Australia’s preparations for the Games in Tokyo.
Surfing was one of six sports added to the Tokyo program for 2020 with skateboarding, sports climbing, karate, baseball and softball.
Beachley says getting respected World Tour surfer Bede Durbidge aboard for Australia’s Tokyo campaign is a coup for the sport.
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“We have talent ID, training camps, we are on the front foot with this,” she said.
“So grateful to see Bede come on. We have tremendous leaders who are respected. And we have a real opportunity to claim gold medals in Tokyo.’’
Beachley says Australia’s current and recent past success in women’s and men’s surfing is the result of our character and the resources readily available.
“We love punching above our weight in the sporting world and we have quality waves, great support and the state bodies are really supportive,” she said.
“The national body proves lots of support programs so we have a great level of support and naturally talented athletes.
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“We are a leader in the world of surfing in our governance, organisation and development, the pathways and sport science.
“We are very structured and well positioned ahead of Tokyo.”
The contest site for the 2020 Games is Shidashita Beach, around 40km from Tokyo.
In total 20 women and 20 men will surf with a waiting period of 16 days set to ensure the event can be run.
If required due to poor conditions, it is understood the medals could be decided by just two days of competition.
Beachley will this week attend a Sally Fitzgibbons-hosted celebration of Australian Women in Surf dinner on October 28 at Manly which is open to the public and being attended by a who’s who of the sport.
Tickets and more info www.sallyfitzgibbonsfoundation.com/australian-women-in-surf-gala/