Six squad members from Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre have qualified for the leading competition for surf life saving athletes in Australia and are getting ready to compete on Saturday 18 October.

Athletes Lizzie Welborn, Olivia Clues, Analise Kibble, Jackson Borg, Charlie Verco and Piper Harrison qualified for the Shaw and Partners Iron Series after competing in a tough 2-day trial.

Coach Justin Rothwell said, “Only the top 28 Ironmen and 28 Ironwomen from across Australia can qualify for the series and considering it’s usually dominated by Queenslanders, that’s a special achievement for us here at Manly.”

“I’m so proud to see so many of our squad members lining up against the best in Australia. It shows the strength of the program and the great environment we’re able to offer our athletes.”

Local athlete Piper Harrison has been a squad member for the past 6 years. She started training at the Gold Squad level and progressed to the Diamond Squad, the top level in the program.

“It has been my dream since I was 10 years-old to be an Ironwoman and I am really proud of the hard work it has taken to get here,” said Harrison.

“Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre has been a significant part of my journey. My swimming has improved significantly in the last few years. In part because of the level of talent that the squad program fosters, which pushes me to be better every day. But also, because Justin and the coaching team have helped build my confidence.”

Charlie Verco is also from the Northern Beaches and joined the Gold Squad program 2 years ago. He says he has seen a great improvement in his swimming and overall performance in Ironman, and board paddling since joining.

“The Iron Series trials have caused me lots of heartbreak in the past, and finally qualifying this year cemented the belief that I can compete alongside the best Ironmen in the world. So, I’m pretty stoked,” said Verco.

“The squad program is very professional, filled with athletes that are not only talented, disciplined and motivated, but fun to be around. Having Justin and his coaching team pushing me every morning against these elite swimmers and iron series athletes taught me what is required to perform at my best.”

Good luck to all 6 athletes – we’ll be cheering you on from the Northern Beaches!

To learn more about Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton’s squad program, visit our website.