Surf Life Saving’s Optimistic Push for Brisbane Olympics Acceptance

Following the inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics in Paris eight years ago and the anticipated addition of sports like flag football in Los Angeles next year, surf life saving is poised to make its Olympic debut when the flame is ignited at the Brisbane 2032 Games.

The initiative to gain Olympic status for surf life saving has been met with a “very positive response” from key stakeholders responsible for the final decision, as highlighted by John Baker, the president of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and a board member of the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF).

Baker stated that the sport’s significant impact on fostering a “better world” and its global competitive presence strengthen its Olympic proposal, which was put forward in April 2022.

Both SLSA and ILSF are actively engaging with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reception… There are many influential individuals within these three organisations who support our vision,” Baker told Wide World of Sports.

“No one has suggested that we’re being unreasonable… It’s off to an exceptionally encouraging start.”

The proposed events for the Brisbane Games include individual oceanman and oceanwoman races, along with a mixed-gender ocean relay.

Individual competitors will race over 1200 metres, which involves a swim segment, a board paddling leg, a surf ski segment, and a sprint finish along the beach.

In the relay, teams of four—comprising two men and two women—will undertake a swim, a board paddle, a surf ski paddle, and a running leg.

Potential venues for the Brisbane 2032 events include Maroochydore, Broadbeach, and Coolangatta, according to Baker.

“This would mark the first occasion an Olympic sport would emerge from a humanitarian initiative and an emergency service,” Baker noted.

“All competitors in life saving globally must perform their duties as active patrolling lifeguards or life savers to qualify for national and international competitions.”

“This is an inspiring narrative that aligns closely with the IOC’s goal of fostering a better world through sport. In the context of international life saving, it exemplifies how sport can develop stronger, more resilient communities,” Baker explained.

Baker highlighted that the ILSF comprises 115 full member nations and roughly 30 million members globally.

He also asserted that surf life saving possesses a level of global competitiveness that may be underestimated.

Baker stressed that their focus is not solely on creating an event where Australia could easily excel, as this is not a given.

“There are numerous competitive nations that perform exceptionally well in the oceanman and oceanwoman events,” he remarked.

“We are acutely aware that one of the criteria for the AOC and IOC involves demonstrating a legitimate global presence and a diverse base to select from.”

“We need to showcase the capability to leverage a network of truly competitive nations globally to avoid any perceived bias.”

According to Baker, a verdict on their proposal is not expected until 2028.