Rockhampton surf athlete Miranda Bell looks to defend title
SURF LIFESAVING: Rockhampton twins Miranda and Sam Bell share a love of the water.
Following their introduction to surf lifesaving at Yeppoon SLSC as under-12s, they soon found their niche in a sport in which they would achieve great things in.
They have come a long way since their nipper-days, and this year, they have been included in an impressive Australian contingent to contest the Rescue 2012 Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide which started on Wednesday and runs until November 18.
Today, Miranda Bell will line up at South Australian Aquatic Centre to defend her world record in the super lifesaver she secured at the 2011 German Pool Rescue Cup, where she was part of the gold-winning Australian female team.
"I hold the world record in the super lifesaver which is like the ironman of the pool. My record is 2:26:46 but the deep water of this pool will slow the times down, when we have to get manikins off the bottom," the 20-year-old said.
Over 40 nations are competing at the championships, and of those nations, New Zealand, Italy and Germany will be tough contenders in the pool events.
The first week of the competition showcases the national teams event featuring teams of six girls and six boys from each of the 41 countries represented at the titles.
Next week, the Bell siblings will back up competing in 20-strong teams in the inter-club competition with Miranda Bell representing the Gold Coast's Northcliffe SLSC and Sam lining up for Maroochydore.
When they were in the under-15 age group, the Bell family moved south and the twins joined Maroochydore SLSC. Although Miranda recently switched to Northcliffe, Sam remained a member at Maroochydore, and lives and works in Brisbane.
Miranda, one of the strongest swimmers in surf lifesaving and a former Australian open surf race champion, also recently shifted back to Rockhampton and currently trains under Rocky City Swim Club swim coach Shane Kingston.
For a full report, see tomorrow's print edition, page 60.
