Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has continued its strong tradition of success, delivering an impressive performance at the North Australian Surf Life Saving Championships held in Mackay over the weekend.
The event brought together the best competitors from clubs across North Queensland, the North Barrier and Wide Bay Capricorn branches, as well as several clubs from further south.
Forrest Beach athletes excelled on the sand, securing a string of podium finishes, including gold in both the Open and Under-17 Beach Relays, silver in the Under-15 Beach Relay, and bronze in the Under-14 Beach Relay.
There were also several standout individual performances. Leshawn Bann claimed double gold in the Under-17 Beach Flags — edging out the current state champion — as well as gold in the Under-17 Beach Sprint. He was also part of the Under-17 gold medal relay team. His outstanding results have earned him selection in the Queensland Country Team, which will compete at the Interbranch Championships on the Gold Coast next month.
Teammate Antwione Schlapfer also enjoyed success, taking home double bronze in the Under-15 Beach Flags and Beach Sprint events, and securing a reserve position in the Queensland Country Team.
It was truly a Forrest Beach affair in the Open Sprint. Evandah Bann, the current National Under-19 Beach Sprint Champion, claimed victory, followed closely by Forrest Beach athletes in 2nd Leshawn Bann, 3rd Mike Waia, 4th Benon Hall and 5th Darius Lewin Pearson.
Forrest Beach finished seventh overall in the senior division and 13th overall out of 21 clubs represented, an excellent result against high-quality competition.
Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, officials and supporters for their efforts and sportsmanship throughout the event.
Contributed with thanks by Melissa Chiesa of the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club
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