Latest news with #SusieONeill
ABC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Janel Shorthouse
Although known to be capable swimmers, a potential one-kilometre ocean swim by an echidna has landed it in hospital. 3h ago 3 hours ago Sat 24 May 2025 at 8:48am Flu infections across the state are already 36 per cent higher than this time last year and health authorities are warning of a tough winter ahead. Thu 22 May Thu 22 May Thu 22 May 2025 at 9:51am Researchers believe experiences of awe — often triggered by hearing whales rather than just seeing them — can inspire intentions to recycle more, reduce waste and support ocean conservation efforts. Thu 15 May Thu 15 May Thu 15 May 2025 at 1:11am The world's best bodysurfers flocked to the Sunshine Coast to push the limits of the sport. Among them was Australian Olympic legend Susie O'Neill. Fri 9 May Fri 9 May Fri 9 May 2025 at 5:35am A community environment group has found wildlife on an isolated section of land cut off from Bribie Island and fears coastal erosion will destroy its habitat. Wed 30 Apr Wed 30 Apr Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 3:55am Former Australian Test cricketer and television host Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison yet has walked free after already serving more than a year in custody. Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr 2025 at 8:44am Tewantin man Bradley Donald Towle, 41, allegedly behind Monday's fatal crash and a string of carjackings, has been charged with 15 offences. He will appear in court on Wednesday. Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr 2025 at 4:32am The LNP repeatedly promised to have trains running directly to Maroochydore by the 2032 Olympics but the rail line will now end about 13 kilometres away. Tue 25 Mar Tue 25 Mar Tue 25 Mar 2025 at 8:16pm With Cyclone Alfred approaching, the Mooloolaba Triathlon has been cancelled after the council revoked its permit. Tue 4 Mar Tue 4 Mar Tue 4 Mar 2025 at 4:31am Despite raising over $100,000 per bus, some communities are still waiting for Sleepbuses to become operational, leading to fears about the project's future. Wed 27 Nov Wed 27 Nov Wed 27 Nov 2024 at 9:57pm The Freeman siblings escaped the blaze with just the clothes they were wearing after feeling the heat and smelling smoke from the cabin next door. Tue 12 Nov Tue 12 Nov Tue 12 Nov 2024 at 5:51am In 2020, Labor turned two long-held blue seats red in the state's south east. Caloundra and Nicklin are again setting the scene for another knife-edge battle, which could determine who will hold government. Thu 24 Oct Thu 24 Oct Thu 24 Oct 2024 at 4:42am Girls as young as 14 are considering diets and cosmetic procedures after bouts of cyberbullying, researchers say. Sun 29 Sep Sun 29 Sep Sun 29 Sep 2024 at 1:37am Rangers say dingoes were loitering near a large family group fishing off the beach moments before a girl was attacked by a male dog on K'gari. Sat 17 Aug Sat 17 Aug Sat 17 Aug 2024 at 9:47pm In preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, organisers of the Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba are aiming to double the number of entrants to 25,000, in a move that would see the course shift location. Fri 16 Aug Fri 16 Aug Fri 16 Aug 2024 at 10:43pm A Queensland charity has overcome a major setback after its trailer was stolen along with thousands of dollars' worth of clothing and sleeping bags, just hours before they were due to be donated to homeless people. Mon 29 Jul Mon 29 Jul Mon 29 Jul 2024 at 6:49am Renowned for its multi-million-dollar wedding industry, Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland hopes to add stargazing to its tourism drawcard. Sun 9 Jun Sun 9 Jun Sun 9 Jun 2024 at 5:29am The owners of a pet cat shot with an air rifle urge others to speak up about animal cruelty so perpetrators can be brought to justice. Wed 29 May Wed 29 May Wed 29 May 2024 at 7:39am The Federal Court grants an extension so the airline can try and avoid liquidation, meaning employees will remain stood down without pay and unable to accept other work for a further two months. Mon 27 May Mon 27 May Mon 27 May 2024 at 1:55am A drone with beefed up surveillance that can fly higher, further and faster than previous models is deployed to help protect the reef from outlaw anglers. Mon 15 Apr Mon 15 Apr Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 11:52pm The use and sale of a popular style of yabby net that a conservationist says regularly traps other wildlife could be banned, which would bring Queensland into line with other states. Fri 5 Apr Fri 5 Apr Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 1:07am Campers across south-east Queensland are not letting the threat of sodden days dampen their spirits ahead of the Easter long weekend. Thu 28 Mar Thu 28 Mar Thu 28 Mar 2024 at 12:22am Peter Lang, who was a prominent radio host on the Sunshine Coast, has been found guilty of charges including carnal knowledge of a girl under 16. Wed 13 Mar Wed 13 Mar Wed 13 Mar 2024 at 6:28am The iconic Noosa hinterland mountain race has been axed following a dispute between the organisers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Sun 10 Mar Sun 10 Mar Sun 10 Mar 2024 at 3:21am A marine scientist says her experience on an old research vessel with women from around the world has brought home the need for greater focus on conservation and female leadership. Wed 6 Mar Wed 6 Mar Wed 6 Mar 2024 at 1:40am
ABC News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Elite competitors flock to Sunshine Coast for World Bodysurfing Titles
For generations Australians have been flung into the ocean by a parent's hand and bodysurfed their first wave with nothing but instinct, but now that right of passage is becoming a serious sport. Point Cartwright Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast has just hosted the first World Bodysurfing Titles to be held in Australia, which saw 96 elite competitors from 15 countries riding waves across five local breaks. Contest director Darren Verrenkamp said the sport's appeal ran deeper than the desire to compete. "The glue that binds us together is the love for riding the wave with just your body," he said. Co-organiser Lynda Franklin said many locals were surprised to see the level of skill on display. "So many of us grew up doing it," she said. Australian Chris Anderson edged past Noosa's Jack Lewis, the national team captain, to claim victory in a tightly contested final. Each surfer was scored on their top two waves during a 20-minute heat. In the women's event Hawaii's DeLori Gomes impressed judges with long, flowing rides to take gold ahead of American Michelle Urkov. Victorian surfer and climate advocate Belinda Baggs placed fourth. Among the crowd favourites was Olympic gold medallist Susie O'Neill, who made the semi-finals in her first world titles appearance. "It was physically tiring and quite difficult … but I really, really enjoyed it," she said. "I've caught the bug. In her heat O'Neill competed alongside athletes as young as 15, including rising Australian talent Pipi Cathcart. O'Neill said bodysurfing was a particularly welcoming and accessible sport. "More women should get into it — there's plenty of opportunity," she said. The competition showcased a wide range of techniques, from smooth gliding to high-risk manoeuvres. Tahitian and Hawaiian competitors brought traditional, flowing styles, while French and Brazilian athletes leaned into progressive spins, underwater entries and dynamic take-offs. Judges looked for long, clean rides, use of the wave face and style — bonus points were awarded for tricks such as 360s and cutbacks. "Some people could do somersaults and keep going on the wave," O'Neill said. The United States and Australia are leading the sport, but emerging talent from France, Brazil and Tahiti are also building in numbers and performance. Yamba-based competitor Jarrod Bridges has surfed some of the world's most powerful breaks, including Pipeline in Hawaii, but says his deepest connection is with country. "To me, the ocean is such a powerful, special place in my heart," the Ngemba Warlpiri Warumungu man said. Mr Bridges said he and others were often mistaken for swimmers. "People don't expect you to go across the wave or start doing tricks — until you do," he said. Ms Franklin says the sport has ancient roots and a modern future. "Polynesians were the longest practitioners of bodysurfing culture," Ms Franklin said. "This sport goes way back — and now it's moving forward." On the sand at Coolum a group of locals known as the 79ers — some of whom are now in their 80s — meet every morning to catch some waves in front of the surf club. "We're out there for half an hour laughing, then we come in and lie about who got the biggest wave," Mr Verrenkamp said. The world titles rotate between host countries every year. France is set to hold the next event.
