ISA World Surfing Games – Irukandjis Team Announcement

With only six weeks to go until the 2024 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games – the crucial final stage of qualification for surfing at the Paris Olympics – Surfing Australia is thrilled to announce the six surfers who will represent our nation in Puerto Rico.

The members of team Irukandjis are Jack Robinson, Ethan Ewing, Morgan Cibilic, Tyler Wright, Molly Picklum and Sally Fitzgibbons.

Three-time ISA World Surfing Games event winner, Sally Fitzgibbons said: “Even after all these years it is such an honour and a special feeling to be selected to represent Team Australia. The connection of surfing for my country and to the team mates around me provides a deep sense of purpose and pride.

“These unique occasions allow us to create another chapter in Irukandji folklore together. Building on these performances year after year creates the awesome Aussie team culture that we all thrive off and that is radiated across all layers of the Olympic pathways program.”

When asked about the added pressure of Olympic qualification, Fitzgibbons said: “Although the stakes are high it doesn’t change how we all approach things as a team. Your best surfing is done when you are grounded and present in each of the tasks at hand. We want to bring out our best whilst representing the green and gold, if we do this successfully as a team the bigger picture will take care of its self. We are ready to ‘Bring The Sting’ together as the mighty Irukandjis.”

Bede Durbidge, Team Australia Coach, said: “I’m super excited for this year’s ISA World Surfing Games in Peurto Rico. The team we have has so much fire power. Everyone will be out to get that extra spot but I believe we have the team and coaching staff to deliver for Australia.”

Surfing Australia National High Performance Director, Kate Wilcomes said: “I’m extremely excited for this event and the opportunity to secure two additional Olympic spots for Team Australia. I know this team has what it takes to win gold and we have a world class team to support them so I say watch out world here come the Irukandjis.”

TEAM AUSTRALIA:
Men
Jack Robinson 
Ethan Ewing 
Morgan Cibilic
Women
Tyler Wright
Molly Picklum
Sally Fitzgibbons

SCHEDULE:
Feb 23: Opening Ceremony
Feb 24 – Mar 3: Competition days
Mar 3: Awards ceremonies
*tentative and subject to change at any time at the ISA’s discretion

About the Irukandjis:
The name ‘Irukandjis’ was generously gifted to Surfing Australia by the local Yirrganydji people of North Queensland, driven by the efforts of Indigenous athlete and former World Tour surfer, Soli Bailey.

‘The Irukandjis: Deadly in the Water,’ the team’s namesake and tagline, is inspired by the Irukandji jellyfish—an extremely venomous species that inhabits Australian marine waters.

Australian representatives across all surfing genres, including Junior, Open, Masters, Olympic, Longboard, Big Wave, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), and Adaptive disciplines, compete under The Irukandjis’ national identity and united colours at international events such as the Olympics, ISA World Surfing Games, WSL World Juniors, and Longboard Championships.