Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin
Anthony McEwan has won gold at the recent Life Saving World Championships making him world champion in the male masters 2km beach run.
Held on the Gold Coast, Anthony, 55, competed against 40 other runners from all over the world in the 55-59 category.
More than 5000 international surf club members competed at the championships and Anthony qualified for inclusion after winning the same event at the 2024 Australian Championships in April.
He also won the event at the State Championships and is the current male sports champion. Anthony said it was satisfying to compete at such a high calibre event and take home the gold.
Father of four Anthony, who works full time and holds community volunteer roles in Denmark, prepared for the event with limited training resources and without the aid of a professional coach.
“Huge thanks to my family, friends and the community members who I run, walk, ride, paddle, swim, surf, stretch and kick the footy with,” Anthony said.
“A special shout-out to those dedicated mates who motivated me to train with them in the dark, year-round, through rain, hail or shine.”
Anthony said the competition had been an eight-year goal that had been hindered by ‘bumps and injuries’ along the way.
Five years ago, Anthony was told he would never run again after a knee injury and two years ago he hit a kangaroo while riding a mountain bike which left him with concussion and a back injury.
He puts his motivation down to ‘incredible clubs’ like the Denmark Running Club, Denmark Surf Life Saving Club and Denmark Walpole Junior Football Club to keep him showing up and pushing through.
Anthony added the Denmark Mountain Bike Club, Wilson Inlet Park Run, Denmark Rowers and Albany Athletics Club to his list.
“Denmark is one of the best outdoor training environments in the world and it’s been great to get out and connect with kids and adults because we can inspire each other while improving our physical and mental health,” he said.
As a ‘restricted diet’ had been part of Anthony’s preparation for the championships he celebrated the win with a pint of beer and a chicken parmigiana.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 26 September 2024.
