Rising surf lifesaving star celebrates gold medal in breakout season

RISING star Isabella Arghyros capped one of her most memorable seasons in the water with a gold medal performance at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships on the Gold Coast.

The Cudgen competitor claimed gold in the under-17 female board race and silver in the surf race, helping her club achieve strong results across age and masters divisions.

She also won a silver medal in the under-19 board relay with clubmates Izzy Tate and Niamh Sharpe.

It was a hotly contested final in the female board race which saw her battle it out against strong competition for a spot on the podium.

“It is an amazing feeling knowing all my hard work has paid off,” Arghyros said.

It has been a memorable season for Isabella Arghyros with success at state and national level. Photo: Shane Abrahamson.

“The board was really hard, the cans were a long way out. I had a good start, and coming in, I was able to pull ahead on my own wave away from everyone else.”

Arghyros represented NSW at an interstate event in Sydney this year and holds multiple state gold medals.

She has competed in numerous individual and team events at club, country, state, and national level, forming part of a strong age division at Cudgen.

She praised the club for its supportive environment and fostering a highly competitive environment in her age division.

“It’s actually insane with all the good vibes around the beach,” she said.

“Everything is so fun, amazing, and the girls all make it so much better.”

Meanwhile, former Cudgen representative Lily O’Sullivan delivered a standout performance, winning gold in the open women’s surf race and board race, as well as silver in the Ironwoman.

Lily O’Sullivan won two gold medals at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships on the Gold Coast. Photo: Shane Abrahamson.

O’Sullivan, now representing Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park on the professional Ironwoman series, had a breakout season in the Shaw and Partners series, claiming her first major event win in Sydney.

The 21-year-old has now been racing professionally for five years and has competed around the world with the Australian team.

“I started training properly at Cudgen, and it was a real turning point for me. I loved being part of a great squad,” she said.

“It’s a family-friendly community. They train hard, but they also have fun, which makes a big difference.

“I was part of a strong age division that the club has continued to grow.””