Gisborne clubbie in Pathway team for surf lifesaving pool rescue champs on the Gold Coast

Midway's Celia Willoughby is in a 19-strong Surf Life Saving NZ Pathway Development team competing in the Queensland pool rescue champs on the Gold Coast this weekend. Photo / Paul Rickard

A rising Gisborne surf lifesaver will be part of history when a New Zealand Pathway Development team competes at the Queensland Pool Rescue Championships on the Gold Coast this weekend.

It is the first time Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) has entered a team in the competition, which is being held on Saturday and Sunday.

Celia Willoughby, from the Dawson Building Midway club, is among the young surf athletes from across the country named in the team.

“This exciting milestone sees 19 promising youth athletes travel to Australia, supported by two experienced coaches, two development coaches and a development team manager,” SLSNZ said in a release.

“The group will compete both individually and in relay teams, proudly representing New Zealand in the high-performance development pathway.

“The Queensland state championships are a premier event, attracting some of the best surf lifesaving talent from across the region and beyond.

“For SLSNZ, this international campaign is an important step in preparing young athletes for the pressures of elite competition, with eyes already on the 2026 junior lifesaving world championships and the upcoming New Zealand domestic season.”

Andy McMillan, one of the four coaches, said the trip isn’t just about the final scoreboard time.

“It’s about building resilient, knowledgeable athletes who can contribute to the culture of excellence back home. It’s also a reminder that New Zealand surf lifesaving has a strong squad of youth athletes coming through.”

The team heads across the Tasman on Wednesday.