LOCAL LEGEND

OCEAN Grove’s Jolyon Simpson has become the youngest athlete to complete the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O).

At just 15 years old, Jolyon finished eighth in the under 29 section of the iconic open ocean 53-kilometre prone paddle board race on July 29.

Mum Helen said Jolyon tested himself both physically and mentally, and that she could not be prouder of his guts and determination.

“Conditions for this year’s M2O were predicted as very favourable, with elite athletes hoping to break their own world records,” Helen said.

“But as the Channel of Bones has a mind of its own and will not be predictable this didn’t happen.

“It was a brutal race with slower times than expected.

“Elite athletes commented on it being their hardest race ever.

“Jolyon therefore is an absolute legend to finish the race, and finishing well coming eighth in his division.”

Dad Paul, who was on the escort boat looking after Jolyon’s hydration and nutrition, said he was in awe and admiration for the courage and termination his son demonstrated.

“The conditions according to everyone who had done it before was that it was exceptionally tough,” Paul said.

“As a father I lived every stroke he took and worried about every minute of the seven hours and 24 mins it took him.

“Dads aspire to be their son’s hero; but Jolyon, you’re my hero”.

Jolyon, a year 10 student at St Joseph’s College in Geelong, has been a passionate and dedicated competitor in Surf Life Saving – with Ocean Grove for five years and Williamstown for six.

He trained morning and night in preparation for the championships, paddling from Apollo Bay to Wye River, and Point Roadnight to Cosy Corner, or along the Barwon River when it got dark.