Rising star wins annual state lifesaving title

Alex de Vos
A 17-year-old Surf Coast lifesaver has been named Victoria’s Under-17 Male Athlete of the Year.
Torquay Surf Life Saving Club’s Callan Young won the prestigious award at a ceremony in Melbourne last weekend in recognition of his achievements and contribution to excellence in the sport.
The year 11 Geelong College student said he was “very happy” with his win.
Callum believed he earned the title after winning numerous life saving and ironman competitions in his age division.
“I’ve been training all year, so it was great to get some recognition,” Callan said.
“The competition was very fierce this year but I’ve been working with a group and we really try to push each other.”
Inspired by his sister, Callan joined Torquay’s Life Saving Club at the tender age of seven.
Ten years later and he’s never looked back.
“I love going down to the beach every day and being in the water,” he said.
“I also love the individual goals you can achieve and the teamwork aspect – there are so many parts to lifesaving.”
Life Saving Victoria president Mike Martin said the ceremony “capped off what was another remarkable season in lifesaving”.
“It was a fantastic night to recognise Victoria’s dedicated individuals who contribute so much to lifesaving,” Mike said.
Other award winners included Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club’s Lachlan Holbery-Morgan.
Officials said Lachlan was named Lifesaver of the Year for the second time in a row in recognition of “his high standard of service and lead role in major situations along the Surf Coast”.