Ryan Wins Gold on the Gold Coast
Sun, sand and surf is a way of life for a lot of Australians, including 18-year-old Ryan who has been a sea-rious beachgoer for as long as he can remember.
Ryan’s love for the ocean saw him get involved with his local Surf Life Saving Club at a young age, starting out with the Nippers All Abilities Program. Since then, his connection with the club has gone from strength to strength; and his determination to keep developing his lifesaving skillset has taken him to many different shores for the cause.
Ryan has travelled interstate multiple times to represent his club and compete at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Earlier this year, he headed to Queensland to compete in the 2026 event, held at North Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast.
He made his debut in the Open Men’s Division – and not one to do things by halves, signed up for six events and scored a medal in every single one!
Known as ‘The Aussies’, the competition sees members from Surf Live Saving Australia’s 316 clubs come together to participate in hundreds of beach and ocean events over 9 action-packed days, from races in the sea to runs on the sand.
Since 2024, The Aussies have also featured adaptive events for people with disabilities, and Ryan was one of 50 competitors taking part in 2026.
Ryan took out gold in the 100m beach sprint, flags race, and wade race; silver in the 500m beach run and swim; and bronze in the board race. This was an incredible achievement and personal best, especially in a more competitive division where he was up against more athletes than ever before.
Cara, Ryan’s mum, was on the sidelines supporting him all the way to the finish line ever time and couldn’t be prouder.
What’s next for ambitious Ryan, who bounces between the rugby pitch, basketball court and athletics track when he’s not getting sports in on the sand?
The possibility of even more medals to add to his collection, as he has just been selected to represent WA again – this time, as part of the athletics team competing at the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne. We look forward to hearing all about his experience in October.
Well done, Ryan, on your outstanding efforts both on and off the beach!