BONDI AMERICAN SETS POOL RESCUE WORLD MASTERS RECORD

dori-millerb.jpgSURF SPORTS,  Saturday, August 13: American-born Dori Miller, who has only been a Bondi lifesaver for two years, today set a new World Masters Record in the 200m obstacle swim at Surf Life Saving Australia's Pool Rescue Championships at the Australian Institute of Sport.

The former marathon and college swimmer, who has conquered The English Channel swim on two separate occasions, clocked a time of 2 minutes 27.15 to take just over a second off the previous 40-44 Years Masters mark of 2:28.16 set by Ireland's Norma Cahill in Berlin in 2008.

"Today was the first time I have actually competed in that race. It was really tough," revealed the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club member.

"I have been training for some time for these Championships but it has been quite difficult to replicate the actual obstacles so I can't believe that I have broken a world record!"

This race involves swimming the 200m course in freestyle passing eight times under immersed obstacles.

Miller moved to Sydney for work two years ago and joined the surf life saving movement after hearing about it through friends in Bondi. "I hadn't really been aware of surf lifesaving before arriving in Sydney," she said.

"It is the perfect way for me to embrace the Australian lifestyle though I have to say, I am more comfortable on the blocks than in the surf. I passed my bronze medallion last year and look forward to competing at the NSW State Titles, Australian Surf Life Saving Championships and Rescue 2012 (Worlds) next year."

Dave Thompson, SLSA General Manager Sport, was amazed by Dori's swim. "It was a phenomenal effort by someone who hadn't raced the obstacle swim before," he said.

"We have contacted the ILS and Asada to go through the official channels to have the record recognised."

  • The Championships have attracted surf lifesavers from all over Australia and will continue over the weekend.