A South West surf lifesaver and two of her WA counterparts have proved themselves to be among the best in the country.

Olivia Doddy teamed up with Annika Negus and Millie Kok to win the under-17 female board relay for Trigg Island at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships last month. The trio achieved their stunning result on Queensland’s
Sunshine Coast on the third day of competition. For Doddy, the win at the Aussies was particularly poignant.

“Well, it’s my first year with Trigg (Island SLSC) so it’s amazing to compete with people like this,” she said.

“At States, we won our under-17 board relay and the open board so we were pretty prepared to have a crack at Aussies, but it’s just amazing and we’re so overwhelmed.”

Olivia said she could not believe it when she came off her board and saw she was in the lead. “The girls from the other clubs were all cheering on their teams so when I hopped off, I didn’t see anyone, so I started crying, I was so emotional,” she said.

“It’s an amazing moment for the club.”

Outgoing South West Academy of Sport chief executive officer Bernice Butlion expressed her excitement for Olivia’s achievement.

“I am thrilled to see Olivia achieving such a great result,” she said.

“Her dedication and talent are truly commendable.” Butlion also extended her best wishes to Olivia and her family for their upcoming move to Queensland in June. She said the trio’s victory exemplified the essence of sportsmanship, camaraderie and excellence that define the pinnacle of Australian sports.

Written by: Bernice Butlion & Sean van Der Wielen