Surfing Australia is excited to announce the 12 surfers who will represent Australia at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November.
The best junior surfers from every part of the globe will contend for medals in this prestigious event that has proved itself as a direct pathway to the Olympic Games with Stephanie Gilmore among past ISA World Junior Champions.
15-year-old Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) said: “I feel really proud to be representing my country and so grateful for all the efforts my coaches and family put in along my journey. I’m looking forward to cheering on my team mates and also surfing and exploring places I have never been before.”
16-year-old Rico Haybittle (Palm Beach, QLD) said it will be his first time competing as an Irukandji and he can’t wait.
“It’s a huge achievement of mine, feels amazing to be representing Australia in Brazil. Super excited to be pushing my surfing competing against the best surfers in the world and I’m looking forward to some punchy beaches.”
16-year-old Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW) said: “I feel honoured and proud to be selected for the Australian Team for 2023. This was a goal of mine I set at the start of the year, and now to see it come true still feels unrealistic to me. I appreciate the chance to compete in Brazil and promise to give it my all.
I look forward to many things, being an Irukandji and competing for my country is something that I’m deeply looking forward to. Brazil seems like a crazy place, there is always so many surfing supporters for big events which means more noise and more pressure. I’m super excited to tap into the crowd and absorb my surroundings. Being able to stay with the Australia team and support each other throughout the event will also be a thrill.”
15-year-old Kash Brown (Cronulla, NSW) said: “So stoked to be a part of the Australian team heading to Brazil this year for the ISA’s. What I’m looking forward to the most over there is the culture, all the cool people and hopefully really sick waves. We’ve got a great team filled with all my mates so I can’t wait to represent Australia as a Irukandjis for the first time.”
17-year- old Jahly Stokes (Buddina, QLD) said: “I feel very honoured and excited to be selected as part of the Australian Team and represent my country. I’m really looking forward to competing against all the other competitors from all the different countries around the world. Surfing is a very individual sport and I love the team atmosphere and camaraderie that develops when we all come together as a team. Being an Irukandji is something I can’t wait to be a part of and I’m counting down the days until we leave.”
Surfing Australia’s, Clancy Dawson will be coaching the National team and said: “We’re amped to get over to Brazil and test ourselves against the rest of the world. We have a lot of belief in the surfers in this team that they are the best in Australia and great young humans. What makes this event so special is that it’s a rare opportunity to represent Australia and be part of a national team. The comradery that’s formed between the surfers is incredible and often forms bonds that will last throughout their careers and beyond.”
More information visit the ISA event website HERE.
2023 Junior Irukandjis team:
U18 Girls
Coco Cairns (Tewantin, QLD)
Jahly Stokes (Buddina, QLD)
Keira Buckpitt (Culburra Beach)
U18 Boys
Harley Walters (Angourie, NSW)
Lennix Smith (Barrack Point, NSW)
Willis Droomer (Jan Juc, VIC)
U16 Girls
Isla Huppatz (Bilinga, QLD)
Milla Brown (Newport, NSW)
Sierra Kerr (Bilinga, QLD)
U16 Boys
Kash Brown (Cronulla, NSW)
Rico Haybittle (Palm Beach, QLD)
Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW)
Participation
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