Surf star wins back-to-back gold medals for Australia

FINGAL Head surfer Dane Henry has won back-to-back gold medals at the ISA World Surfing Games, claiming the men’s title in El Salvador.

Henry, 19, delivered a dominant performance in the final to secure the individual crown, while Australia also ended a 14-year drought by winning the team gold.

He won a junior ISA world title last year, making him one of only four surfers to hold both the junior and open crowns. This year’s event also formed part of the qualification process for future Olympic Games.

The Australian Irukandjis team included Evans Head surfer Callum Robson, Milla Brown, Morgan Cibilic, Ellie Harrison and world tour veteran Sally Fitzgibbons.

The group was greeted by family and friends at the Surfing Australia high performance centre at Casuarina after returning from the competition.

“To represent Australia and stand on top with this team is the best feeling in the world,” Henry said.

“We believed in each other all week, and to bring it home for the Irukandjis is so special.

“It’s pretty surreal to be in this team and win individual gold medals two years in a row.

“The group were really connected; we fed off each other’s energy and took that momentum into the competition.”

Henry scored 8.67 on his opening ride before backing it up with a 9.50 on a long right-hander, finishing with a combined heat score of 18.17 to seal the title.

He credited coach Adam Dufner for his guidance and said his focus is now on future Olympic Games.

“I just want to better my surfing and make the most of any opportunities, I’d love to go to LA (for the Olympics), if not I’d definitely be ready for Brisbane in 2032,” Henry said.

“I really want to thank the Tweed Heads community and all of Australia for getting behind us.”