The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Bondi Beach saw four accomplished Masters competitors inducted into the SLSA Masters Legends.
Celebrating Outstanding Achievements at Bondi Beach
Four Masters competitors were formally recognised as the newest SLSA Masters Legends during the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Bondi Beach.
The honourees were Laura Thurtell (Bondi SBLSC, NSW), Rod Taylor (Mooloolaba SLSC, QLD), Louise Santos (Bondi SBLSC, NSW), and Ted Smithies (Newport SLSC, NSW).
32 Years of Masters Competition
The Masters Championship at the Aussies has been running for 32 years. Masters competitors, aged 35 and over, play a vital role in surf lifesaving by contributing to club structures and maintaining competitive excellence.
The SLSA Masters Legends program was first established in 2019, recognising those who have achieved consistent, outstanding results over a sustained period.
Recognising the 2025 SLSA Masters Legends
Laura Thurtell from Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club first competed in Masters events in 2006 and has consistently finished on the podium across Surf, Board, Tube, Ironwoman, Ski, and Beach events. Between 2019 and 2022, she secured 19 Gold medals.
Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook
Rod Taylor, representing Mooloolaba SLSC, began competing in 2003 in the 50–54 years beach events and has maintained a podium presence ever since. At the 2023 Championships, he dominated the over-70s category, winning every event he joined.
Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook
Louise Santos, also from Bondi SBLSC, collected 32 Gold, 19 Silver, and 19 Bronze medals between 2005 and 2023. Her achievements span Ironwoman, Rescue and Resuscitation, Board, and Pool Rescue disciplines.
Representing Newport SLSC, Ted Smithies secured 31 Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze medals from 2001 to 2024, with a focus on beach sprints, relays, and flags.
Community Response to the 2025 Inductees
The surf lifesaving community shared widespread congratulations following the announcement at Bondi Beach. Supporters and clubmates took to online platforms to recognise the inductees’ sustained achievements and their impact on surf lifesaving at club and national levels.
Continuing the Legacy
With the induction of the 2025 Masters Legends, the SLSA continues to honour the legacy of excellence in surf lifesaving. Previous inductees include notable names such as Dianne Wallace-Ward, Davina Strauss and David Hutchison.
The tradition highlights the significant role of Masters competitors in upholding the sport’s standards and fostering club spirit.
Published 27-Apr-2025