Triple Medal Haul For New Zealand Lifesaving Athletes At The World Games
Three of New Zealand's most accomplished lifesaving athletes have proudly represented Aotearoa at The World Games this August, returning with an impressive haul of medals and memories that will last a lifetime.
The World Games, held this year in Chengdu, China, is one of the world's most prestigious non-Olympic international multi-sport events. For lifesaving sport, Pool Rescue is the sole discipline contested, and qualification standards are incredibly high, making the event a true showcase of the world's best.
Flying the flag for New Zealand were Zoe Crawford, Madison Kidd, and Fergus Eadie, all of whom are current or recent world record holders in their respective events. Backed by a tight-knit team including Black Fins Campaign Lead Steve Kent and official Johnny Clough, the athletes delivered outstanding performances on the global stage.
Fergus Eadie was unstoppable in the men's 50m manikin carry, becoming the only male athlete to break the 28-second barrier. His dominant swim earned him a commanding gold medal, a testament to his preparation under coaches Tom Lowe and Michael Weston.
In the women's 100m manikin tow, Zoe Crawford powered her way to gold, while teammate Madison Kidd secured a bronze medal, reinforcing the strength and depth of New Zealand's female lifesaving squad.
Hearing the New Zealand national anthem ring out twice in the stadium was a moment of immense pride, marking not only an individual triumph for these athletes but also a collective win for the sport in Aotearoa.
Zoe Crawford is currently studying Sport and Recreation at AUT and trains with Coast Swim Club. Originally from Mairangi Bay, she transitioned from hockey into elite pool rescue swimming and broke the junior world record in the 100m manikin tow in 2023. She went on to win the senior world title and break the senior record in 2024. Zoe is known for her relentless drive and team-first attitude and brings energy and focus to every race.
Madison Kidd began lifesaving at age 7 at Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club and now also competes for Northcliffe in Australia. A world record holder in the 100m Tow, which she broke three times in 2024, Madison previously competed at The World Games in 2017. She returned this year as a seasoned competitor and earned a well-deserved bronze medal.
Fergus Eadie started at Muriwai and now races for Mairangi Bay under coach Tom Lowe while working full-time at Pacific Channel in Auckland. He made his Black Fins debut at the 2022 Lifesaving World Championships, earning gold and bronze across multiple events. In 2024, he broke two world records and won gold in both the 50m and 100m carry events. Fergus is known for his explosive speed and calm execution under pressure.
Guiding the team was Steve Kent, a three-time World Champion, 2012 Olympian, and longtime Black Fins leader. With eight world championship campaigns under his belt, Steve brought a wealth of experience to the squad.
Also supporting the campaign was Johnny Clough, who attended as an official through a High Performance Sport New Zealand Prime Minister's Scholarship. His ongoing development toward a Level 3 international official adds depth to New Zealand's presence in the sport.
Reflecting on the campaign, Steve Kent said, 'I'm proud of this small team. We have had to adapt to different challenges in our build up, and I thank them for their dedication.'
This campaign wasn't just about medals. It was about continuing New Zealand's legacy in lifesaving sport and supporting athletes who embody the values of excellence, resilience, and teamwork.
Following this international success, the team now looks ahead to the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships in September, where the next generation of lifesaving athletes will no doubt be inspired by these incredible performances.
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