Surf club celebrates Jemma's acheivements

Umina Surf Club has celebrated the achievements of Jemma Smith, who has won Youth Athlete of the Year at the 2017 NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.

In a season full of highlights, Smith competed at all levels including co-captaining the Australian Youth Lifesaving team to an overall win at the World Championships while also beginning to make her mark on the senior circuit with some incredible results.

"She's another athlete who might need to consider expanding the trophy room after winning three gold medals at the World Titles, picked up 21 at the Central Coast Championships, 12 at the NSW titles, and three at The Aussies," said club publicity officer Ms Donna Wishart.

Smith was a finalist in the Iron Series and won a fiercely contested Open Iron Woman in the North Wollongong leg of the Summer of Surf Series.

Smith also continued to enjoy success in pool rescue showcasing her all-round athletic ability.

Apart from her individual achievements Smith competed with her Umina teammates in a range of events with the Taplin Relay in particular enjoying plenty of success throughout the domestic summer.

This close knit team was named a finalist in the Team of the Year category at the 2017 NSW Sports Federation Awards, a ceremony where Smith took out the Junior Athlete of the Year gong.

Recently, Smith had another taste of international competition after going away with the Australian Junior Kayaking team to compete at the World Championships in Romania.

SOURCE:

Media release, 9 Aug 2017

Donna Wishart, Surf Life Saving NSW