Thomas crowned life saving athlete of the year

TORQUAY Surf Life Saving Club’s Sophie Thomas has received the top honour at the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence, taking home the award for Life Saving Victoria’s Open Athlete of the Year.

Last Saturday’s Life Saving Victoria annual Awards of Excellence in Melbourne celebrated the best in Victorian lifesaving, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions by lifesaving volunteers, members and those working across the aquatic industry.

Thomas, who is a senior competitor, lifesaver and notable cult figure at Torquay, was honoured to receive the open athlete of the year award, citing that it came as a bit of a surprise.

“It was very exciting to win the award and it always comes as a bit of a shock when there are so many amazing athletes in the state who are up for or in the running for the award,” Thomas said.

“To be put above amazing competitors from our state and even some at Torquay who made national finals is a bit of a privilege.”

Thomas is known at the club as a selfless leader who is prepared to inspire anyone she meets through her personality and prowess in and out of the water.

While boosting a career of accolades and wins in state titles in board racing, swimming, ironwomen and pool swimming, club captain Grant Matthews says she is as humble as they come.

“Sophie is a wonderful competitor and inspiring mentor and role model for our young members,” Matthews said.

“All the success that she has had in the sport doesn’t come nearly close to the success that she has as a person.

“I don’t know of anyone, anywhere that collects as many wins in races and stays as humble as she does about it.

“We are so glad to have Sophie wearing the blue and gold and we can’t thank Sophie and her fellow nominees for continuing to nurture the future of lifesaving among our next generation”.

After winning the Jim Wall Ironwomen event earlier this year on her home beach, Thomas is in strong form in the ocean and hopes she can continue to have success back at her home club after a stint at Warrnambool SLSC during her teaching studies.

“It’s great to be back at Torquay with all my friends and family who I have grown up with,” Thomas said.

“To win that Jim Wall event at the start of the year and be on the same trophy as my dad Bryan is special and something that I have aspired for my whole life.

“This year I was also stoked to win my fourth ironwomen state title, so I hope I can continue to swim and compete strong in that event going forward.”

In the next few months, Thomas will ramp up her training preparations for another big season on the beach at Torquay and looks forward to throwing on the blue and gold cap in competition when summer comes around.