Surf Life Saving announces World Championship Team

Surf Life Saving New Zealand

Media release

15 December 2005

For immediate release

Surf Life Saving New Zealand announces World Championship Team

The New Zealand Team to contest the 2006 World Lifesaving Championships in February has been named with eight World Champs new caps included in the line up. Veterans Morgan Foster, Glenn Anderson and double Olympian Steven Ferguson have also been named

The New Zealand team finished second at the 2004 World Lifesaving Championships and New Zealand Coach John Bryant, is confident this team has the ability to go one better. “This team is an exciting mix of experienced team members and new talent. Morgan Foster has won two World Beach Flag Titles and Steven Ferguson and Glenn Anderson have a lot of international experience.”

The final selection was greatly influenced by the New Zealand Swimming Team selection for the Commonwealth Games. With the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships only a fortnight apart, it is not feasible for an athlete to compete in both. There are six surf lifeguards–Dean Kent, Andrew McMillan, Moss Burmester, Georgina Toomey, Melissa Ingram and Liz Coster in the New Zealand Swimming Team. Three of those, Burmester, Kent and Toomey competed at the 2004 World Lifesaving Championships.

“This is a situation we have dealt with before. Some great New Zealand athletes like Alan Thompson, Rebecca Perrott, Sheryl George, Ferguson and McDonald had in the past represented New Zealand in a number of sports and whenever they were not available for selection it created an opportunity for selectors to look at our developing athletes,”said Surf Life Saving New Zealand Chief Executive Geoff Barry.

A highlight of the team is the naming of Dominic and Julia Toomey from the Sumner Club in Christchurch. Only a few days ago sister Georgina was named in the Commonwealth Games Team which creates a great trifecta for the Toomey family.

World Lifesaving Championships, Melbourne Australia February 2006
New Zealand Team:

Morgan Foster [Captain] Johanna O'Connor
Glenn Anderson Holly Moczydlowski
Steven Ferguson Nikki Cox HB
Michael Buck Auckland Lucy Pengally
Dominic Toomey Julia Toomey
Nathan Henderson Ayla Dunlop-Barrett

ENDS

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