Life saving sport looking for inclusion in Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games program

The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) together with Surf Life Saving Australia, has today announced their intentions to lobby for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the first time the sport would be featured at an Olympics.

Advising that life saving sport continues to grow internationally and there has never been a better time to pursue the Olympic pathway, ILS President Graham Ford stated “today marks the first official steps we are taking in pursuing an Olympic dream for life saving sport, with some of the biggest names in the sport, both past and present, joining us.

“Internationally, lifesaving sport continues to grow with our World Championships attracting more than 7,000 competitors across multiple age groups.

“Our goal is to have the Ocean Man & Ocean Woman events, together with a mixed Ocean Relay, included as part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

“Life saving sport aligns perfectly with the International Olympic Committee’s vision of ‘building a better world through sport’, with all members of our sport committed to not only top level competition, but also saving lives through their humanitarian work in volunteer organisations.

“Our sport is unique, with all our members trained lifesavers who are rescue ready and have the abilities to perform rescues and save lives.

“While in Australia people may widely recognise the Ironman and Ironwoman Series, we have actually been part of the World Games since 1985.

“This is our chance to provide athletes from our sport the opportunity for an Olympic pathway.”

Announced today from the 2024 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Sunshine Coast, which has attracted more than 8,100 over the nine-day event, Surf Life Saving Australia’s President John Baker said this will be a game changer for life saving sport.

Baker commented “we are thrilled to be working with the ILS to have our sport as part of the vibrant Brisbane 2032 sports program. We want to create a pathway for our athletes so they don’t leave our sport to pursue an Olympic dream.

“Surf Life Saving Australia is an iconic part of the Australian way of life and what better way to showcase the best of the nation at home Olympic Games, then introducing Surf Life Saving.

“In Australia we have more than 80,000 members aged under 18 years old, showing the depth and breadth of our movement and a strong pathway from which athletes could be selected.

“Australia will later this year host the ILS World Championships on the Gold Coast, with Australia holding the reigning World Ironman and Ironwoman crowns,” he said.

Main image: stakeholders including former World and Australian Ironwoman Champion, Karla Gilbert; former World and Australian Ironman Champion, Trevor Hendy: triple Olympian and Olympic gold medallist, Kenny Wallace; former World and Australian Ironwoman Champion, Kristy Munroe; former Australian & Coolangatta Gold Ironwoman Champion, Courtney Hancock; Graham Ford; John Baker and Paris 2024 Olympic Kayakers, Riley Fitzsimmons and Jackson Collins announce today’s call for life saving sport to be included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games program. Credit: John Veage.