Olivia Clues making mark in Summer of Surf and Olympic dreaming for Brisbane 2032
She a rising star of surf with an Olympic dream in a different sport who has found an exhausting and punishing way to fast-track herself. And it’s working.
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Schoolgirl Olivia Clues knows exactly what she want a to do in life - and it involves being a top ironwoman and potentially a Brisbane Olympian.
The northern beaches young gun elected to race up over summer in the Summer of Surf series and the decision is paying big dividends for the teenager.
This weekend she will attempt to make her third ironwoman final this season at the surf life saving series which will play out at North Bondi on Friday and Saturday.
The under 17s competitor is pitting herself against athletes bigger, faster and vastly more experienced but she is embracing the challenge.
“I’ve been racing up to get more experience for myself,” said the Newport surf life saver who attends Narrabeen sports high.
“I wanted to get better and racing against stronger and faster girls has really helped my confidence in the surf and also my skills. It’s been really great.
“I’m trying to get a headstart on things before I have to pack down in the opens for real.”
Clues, the daughter of former professional series ironman Michael Clues and sister of talented surf star and kayaker Bailey, has aspirations of a top 10 finish in the ironwoman final at the Summer of Surf racing at North Bondi.
“My best place is 14th, and I’d love to go top 10 if I can,’’ said Clues, who wants to race on the Nutri-Grain iron series and is also keen to push into kayaking with a long-term goal of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“I’ve really surprised myself this season by qualifying for two iron finals.’’
The teen is hoping racing up early in the year will make her more competitive at her main event, the Australian surf life saving championships on the Sunshine Coast in April.
Last year she won eight bronze medals at the Aussies.
Around 1000 athletes will race at the North Bondi Carnival with the iron series currently dominated by Ali Day, Joe Collins, Ben Carberry and Georgia Miller, Tiarnee Massie and Lizzie Welborn, a clubmate of Clues.
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Originally published as Olivia Clues making mark in Summer of Surf and Olympic dreaming for Brisbane 2032
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