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Rising St Clair star Charlotte Aburn has been recognised as a future international.
The 18-year-old Dunedin athlete has been selected in Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Junior Black Fins squad.
Aburn is now attending the 12-strong squad’s international development camp in Bundaberg, Queensland.
The week-long performance camp provides valuable experience and training as
the Black Fins build towards the world championships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in December.
Aburn, a Brighton representative before she joined the St Clair club, followed older sister Phoebe into the sport.
It followed a family tradition tracing back to their mother growing up next to the surf at Omaha Beach.
Aburn began her national pool championships participation with victory in the 200m super race last year.
Off the sand, she is on the junior committee at St Clair, advocating for young women in the club.
Her selection caps two years of working towards the world championships as her ultimate goal.
‘‘I feel excited and relieved that the hard work paid off,’’ Aburn said.
Her team-mates in the Junior Black Fins squad are Chris Callebaut, Jack Rust, Max Cave (all East End), Charlie Shivnan, Olivia Verryt (Omanu), Charlize Duncan (Fitzroy), Dylan Blanchard (Red Beach), Ella Sutton (Midway), India Vaughan (Mairangi Bay), Lucy Kinnear (Waimarama) and Ollie Harland (Lyall Bay).
SLSNZ high performance manager Holly Fletcher said the Junior Black Fins selection reflected the depth of emerging talent across New Zealand’s surf life-saving clubs and the strength of the sport’s development pathway.
She said the squad had earned the opportunity through consistent performances across the domestic season.
‘‘This is an exciting milestone and a chance to experience international competition while continuing to grow as athletes and team-mates.
‘‘The future of New Zealand surf-lifesaving is looking incredibly strong, and we’re excited to see this group take the next step together.’’ — Allied Media