Australia Wins third team title at the ISA Worlds
But we already knew they were the best…
Our Aussies put on a stellar show in Nicaragua winning eight out of twelve possible gold medals on offer. Beating the USA and Brazil to the top spot was a big ask, but thanks to Jackson Close, Beau Nixon, Shakira Westdorp, Toby Cracknell, Lincoln Dews, Rory Chapman, Rhys Burrows and Jordan Mercer; the Aussies remained champions for another year. Here’s how it went down in the individual events…
In the surfing, Poenaiki Raioha from Tahiti took the win, but close behind was our Jackson Close. Losing by only 3.3 points, he was so so close, but just couldn’t find the wave he needed to seal the win. The Womens surfing heats were similar, with Shakira Westdorp losing by 0.04 of a point to second place Caroline Angibaud from France. She in turn lost to Emmy Merrill from the US who won by a comfortable margin and a great wave of 7.67.
As for the racers, Lincoln Dews placed second in the Mens technical race by just three seconds. He lost to Danish paddler Casper Steinfath and was only three seconds in front of US rival Slater Trout. Lincoln again placed second in the distance event, losing to Frenchman Titouan Puyo by a minute.
With our only first place of the event, Shakira Westdorp did us proud in the Womens surfing, winning over Canadian girl Lina Augaitis in a closely fought race. She lost round two though, in the distance racing where Lina ended up crossing the line almost two minutes ahead over the two hour long race. A second place can’t be complained about however, and it put Australia on top of the podium for the overall team win.
Congratulations to the Aussie paddlers, you did us proud!
Earlwood, NSW
