Five years after falling just seven seconds short of victory in the iconic long course, a dominant and thoroughly professional performance from Newport SLSC’s Jemma Smith has helped her to claim her maiden Coolangatta Gold title.
Jemma Smith and Ali Day: 2024 Coolangatta Gold Winners. Photo: Surf Life Saving Australia
There was a matter of metres between Smith and eventual champion, Lana Rogers in 2019, after Rogers successfully came from behind to pass the NSW athlete on the final run leg.
A highly focussed Smith never looked like having history repeat this time around, powering ahead in the opening ski leg and never looking back as she worked her way to a comfortable and composed title on Sunday 13 October.
Smith took control of this year’s race from the outset, delivering a dominant performance throughout each stage, finishing an impressive 6 minutes ahead of Lucy Derbyshire (Surfers Paradise) in second and 17 minutes ahead of Tiarnee Massie (Maroochydore) in third place.
The 25 year old, who hails from New South Wales Central Coast, said today’s win was made extra special being able to share it with Ali Day who she has admired as a competitor and person for such a long time.
“That’s incredible, to be able to finish that, see that [finish] banner and be able to take it.
I’ve been so incredibly lucky to be able to have a big six month block leading into this race with the support of Newport Surf Club,” said Smith.
“I just tried to keep focusing on me. I knew that if I got too caught up with where everyone was, that’s when you start to lose focus. I just really pushed the pace as much as I could.
“I think in 2019 it was so unknown for me. I’d never done it before and it was such a competitive field. To be right up the top of that field, right up until literally the last couple of metres was something I was really proud of but it definitely lit the fire in me to come back one day.
“My athletic journey went a different way the last couple of years, focusing more on paddling. But I made the decision six months ago to try and come back into this field and put together a race I knew I was capable of. So to get that win today is absolutely incredible.
“Ali has been such a source of inspiration for me, not only the athletic feats that he’s been able to set the bar so high. But the incredible person that he is and a role model. That’s something that I really try to emulate and take a lot away from.
“To be able to stand atop of the podium today, with Ali getting his tenth, is just insane. It’s so special to be able to do this alongside an amazing human being,” she said.
In commentary for the event, 2014 Coolangatta Gold champion, Josh Minogue said she is the first NSW-trained athlete to win the legendary race.
On the men’s side of the draw, Newport’s Jackson Borg put together a fantastic race to finish in third place while former Warilla Barrack Point SLSC athlete and surf sports legend, Ali Day claimed his 10th title from 10 starts with a remarkable sub-four hour effort across the 41.8km course.
His run to the finish line included embracing family and friends along the esplanade and even carrying his kids for a stretch, and Day later confirmed this would be his last Coolangatta Gold.
“Ali has been such a source of inspiration for me, not only the athletic feats that he’s been able to set the bar so high. But the incredible person that he is and a role model. That’s something that I really try to emulate and take a lot away from,” Jemma said.
“To be able to stand atop of the podium today, with Ali getting his tenth, is just insane. It’s so special to be able to do this alongside an amazing human being.”
“I dreamt of this moment when I got to nine, and I think that’s my best one yet to be honest. I don’t think it will ever fully sink in,” Day said.
“I hope there’s a kid out there now watching me that can walk away and say they are going to do the race next year. But that definitely won’t be me, 10 and done.”
The 2024 Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold celebrated 40 years since the first event was staged as part of the movie of the same name. The event that launched the career of Ironmen legends such as Guy Leech, Michael King and Darren Mercer, has now grown to include Ironwomen, masters and youth competitions.
Sunday’s action capped off two days of racing across the long and short courses, for the elite, open, masters and youth competitors. More than 1,000 competitors from across Australia and internationally took part in Australia’s most gruelling event on the surf sports calendar.
Newport SLSC's Jackson Borg on the Coolangatta Gold 2024 Course. Photo: Surf Life Saving Australia
Jackson Borg won 3rd in the Coolangatta Gold 2024 . Photo: Surf Life Saving Australia