SLSSA GLENELG SPRINT CHALLENGE 7,000
Running from Friday afternoon through to Saturday, Glenelg came alive with sprint racing, stacked fields, and a buzzing seaside atmosphere as athletes chased 7,000 crucial series points. From emerging local talent to established World Ocean Series megastars, the depth across both the women’s and men’s fields ensured relentless, fast-paced action across the weekend.
The standout performer of the competition was homegrown star Lucy Derbyshire, who delivered a dominant display on home sand. Derbyshire claimed three race victories across the weekend, feeding off the local support and stamping herself as one of the form athletes heading deeper into the season.
On the men’s side, Matt Bevilacqua continued his love affair with Glenelg, going back-to-back at the Sprint Challenge. The reigning champion once again rose to the occasion, navigating stacked fields and intense sprint formats to defend his title in emphatic fashion.
Friday night proved one of the most exciting afternoons of racing all season, with the Dash for Cash igniting the beach as the sun dipped over Glenelg. Short, explosive formats and cash on the line created fearless racing, razor-thin margins, and a genuine beach-festival atmosphere, with packed crowds lining the shore for an electric start to the weekend.
One of the standout moments came in the Men’s Board, where a breathtaking three-way finish between Cruz McKee, Jake Mail and Paddy O'Brien had the crowd on its feet. Locked together into the final turning pole, the race descended into chaos, with several crucial legal decisions adding another layer of drama before an all-out sprint to the line. Separated by mere centimetres, it was an unbelievable finish that perfectly captured the intensity of Friday night racing at Glenelg.
From tight finishes and standout performances to packed crowds and festival energy, the Glenelg Sprint Challenge delivered on every front .cementing its place as one of the most exciting and complete events on the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series calendar.
Let’s look at the results
MEN’S BOARD
1st: Joe Collins
2nd: Cruz Mckee
3rd: Tex Dixon
WOMEN’S BOARD
1st: Lucy Derbyshire
2nd: Brodee Trinca
3rd: Kaitlin Rees
MEN’S SKI
1st: Harrison Taurins
2nd: Piran Phillips
3rd: Joe Collins
WOMEN’S SKI
1st: Lucy Derbyshire
2nd: Kaitlin Rees
3rd: Elissa Johnson
MEN’S SWIM
1st: Henry Simpson
2nd: Hayden Cotter
3rd: Jackson Borg
WOMEN’S SWIM
1st: Kaitlin Rees
2nd: Naomi Scott
3rd: Emma Woods
IRONMAN
1st: Matt Bevilacqua
2nd: Brayden Casamento
3rd: Joe Collins
IRONWOMAN
1st: Lucy Derbyshire
2nd: Naomi Scott
3rd: Emma Woods
Mixed Taplin
1st: Northcliffe
2nd: Alexandra Headland
3rd: North Burleigh
SLSSA Glenelg Sprint Challenge Major Partners
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Proudly supported by our Major Partners
All Event Details
18 World Series events. 1 Champion.
Proudly Presented by
Shaw and Partners Financial Services, whose commitment to community, endurance, and excellence mirrors the spirit of the ocean.
Together, we’re building pathways for athletes and strengthening the future of surf sport across Australia.
Why we do this
"The Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series was created to connect — to bring together athletes, clubs, and communities who share a passion for the ocean.
It’s about more than racing. It’s about celebrating the people who make this sport what it is — the volunteers, officials, and families who show up, rain or shine, and the next generation who are inspired by them.
Every event is a reminder of what makes our surf community so special — the challenge, the camaraderie, and the simple joy of being in the ocean.”
— Trent Goulding, Founder & Series Director