Interestingly, the Masters competition is the biggest
area of growth in surf lifesaving competition. From small
beginnings at the inaugural Masters competition hosted
and initiated by Bondi in 1991 to current times, the Masters
competition has become a stand-alone Australian
Championship participated now by thousands of
competitors.
The Bondi team continues to grow both internally and as
a place where competitors from other Clubs want to be
part of what we do. It’s hard to turn someone away who
knocks on the door and says “I want to be part of what
you’re doing.”
Sadly, after a very brief illness, our elected Masters
Captain, Louise Santos, passed away early in the season.
Typically, Louise was taking Club roles and helping out
wherever she could at the time of her passing.
As a sign of respect and remembrance, our Australian
Championships team this year wore frangipani tattoos
throughout the competition in her honour. So popular
was Louise that members of other Clubs eagerly joined in
and applied the frangipani tattoo in an emotional show
of support for our lost friend.
A seventh consecutive national Masters Championship
point score victory was a goal of the team this year.
Louise’s passing gave us just that little bit more
motivation. Job done, we were well watched over.
Pleasingly, we were also New South Wales overall Masters
Champions as well.
Sadly we also lost two more of our Masters competitors
late in the season. Ted Wilde passed on the eve of the
Australian Championships. Many wore black armbands
in Ted’s honour throughout the competition.
Life Member Keiran Speed passed away at the season’s
end. Keiran was an enthusiastic Masters competitor who
has left many with lasting images of just what it means
to leave nothing in the tank. Keiran’s commitment to the
Club and competition team was always unmatched.
We look forward to the upcoming World Lifesaving
Championships on the Gold Coast and continued
success to all those new and old who are part of
Australia’s number one Masters program.
MASTERS
REPORT
Nick Nezval
Masters Captain
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BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB