Surf life-savers from Portreath are looking forward to the new year, and the chance to exchange the Cornish winter for Australian sunshine. Six club members have been selected for the 12-strong British team to compete in the world championships, which are being held in Melbourne in February.
Mat Bowden, Tim Widdershoven, Rachel Pascoe, Jenna Hawkey, Katy Whear and Sienna Chapman will be accompanied by club chairman Rob Phillips as team manager and Penny Whear as sports therapist.
Mr Phillips is hoping the team can match, or better, the performance in Italy last year when three gold medals and three bronzes were won.
"Katy, who is already training and competing in Australia, is a strong contender to retain her world sprint title," he said. "All the Portreath members stand an equal chance of podium finishes.
"The biggest obstacle is that February is off-season, which makes training and final preparations that much harder."
He added: "Nevertheless, we have earned a reputation not to be under estimated and we have a realistic chance of medals."
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