International medals for Proteas lifesaver

GREY High pupil Craig Dalgleish achieved what most children his age only dream of when he donned national colours and brought home two medals from an international surf lifesaving event in France last month.

The Grade 10 pupil, 16, was a member of the South African team which competed in the Rescue Lifesaving World Championships, coming home with two bronze medals from five events in the junior section.

He took third places in the 100m beach sprint and taplin relay, while also competing in the beach relay, beach flags and tube rescue events.

This was the first time he had represented South Africa at an international event. He was also the youngest competitor there.

"It was such an honour for me to represent South Africa, a truly life- changing experience. I would definitely want to do it again," he said.

Craig has been a member of the Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club for the past 11 years. "I started my career as a micro nipper at the age of six and haven't stopped since. It is part of who I am today," he said.

He has represented EP juniors and is ranked first for beach sprints and flags, which he said were his main events. He has competed since he was U13 and said he was privileged to have represented his province.

For the past five years, Craig has been coached by Varrin Karp, who rated him an exceptionally gifted young athlete.

"He is extremely fast on the beach and he loves to train," Karp said. He was proud of Craig's achievements at Rescue 2014.

"It is a truly amazing achievement. Being the youngest at the competition and coming in third place against competitors older than him is an exceptional achievement. He can only get better from here," he said.

Craig is a man of many talents. Besides playing rugby, water polo and athletics for Grey High, he has represented EP in all three sports. -  Amir Chetty