Gizelle Ghidella

Journalist

Rising before the sun, gruelling training sessions and battling toads were just some of the challenges facing surf life saving young gun Lani Kelliher.

Lani was selected to join a team of 40 of the Far North’s best nippers to represent North Queensland in the 2023 State Youth Surf Life Saving Championships in Mooloolaba.

At just 11-years-old Lani proved herself in the surf making finals and semi-finals against some of Queensland’s top athletes.

It was Lani’s first time competing at this level and mum Carie Kelliher was over the moon with her achievements.

“It was such a huge effort for her, I’m so proud,” Ms Kelliher said.

“She really performed and for her to make semi-finals and finals was a nice surprise.”

The Far North Queensland State Team would meet at the wake park in Smithfield for board training, as a safe option due to it being marine stringer season.

Though the wake park proved to present other challenges like toads.

Training for Lani, which started in October, would comprise of three gruelling board sessions and three pool sessions a week plus running to keep her fitness up in the lead up to the state comp.

Lani said it was all worth it.

“It was very fun and a once in a lifetime experience, even though it was hard,” she said.

“I’d have to get up really early at four in the morning, go to the toad lake, have tough training sessions then go to school.”

Lani participated in in almost every event from a one-kilometre beach run, beach sprints, flags and relay, she came out strong in the surf swim 500m, iron person and paddle board comps.

If having fun, keeping fit and making friends sounds good to you, Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club will host a sign on day this Sunday March 5, starting at 10am.

Carie said the skills the kids learn as a surf life saver are priceless.

“They learn so many helpful life skills and they are absolute little machines, the distances they can swim and paddle out to sea in all sorts of conditions is amazing,” she said.

“Surf Life Saving is a sport where you get to be present with your children enjoying the best of the outdoors.”