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An Ōrewa surf lifesaver who made the NZ junior team recently returned from the World Champs in Italy with three medals.
George Wenman has been a member of Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club since he was a 7-year-old nipper. He says he felt privileged to be representing his country at the Worlds (50 countries competed in total) and it was a big goal achieved.
The 18-year-old says he was determined to do everything he could to make the national team – this included spending six weeks in Australia taking part in the Australian nationals as that was one event that selectors had their eyes on.
The NZ team travelled to Italy late in September and spent a week training before competition began. The event involved three days of beach and sea racing and three days in the pool.
“Luckily for me, the conditions on the beach were exactly like Ōrewa so that was a huge advantage,” George says.
George’s medals were for second in male beach sprint relay and taplin, and third in board rescue. Overall, the NZ junior team came second.
“It was a huge experience, but when I got back last month it was straight back into surf training as though nothing had happened,” he says.
George has his own successful vehicle detailing business and says this funds his overseas surf racing.
Next he has his sights set on the 2024 Worlds, which will be held in Australia.
