Australia’s national surf team, The Irukandjis, broke a 14-year drought last week when they were crowned world champions at the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games.Captained by Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons, the team topped the overall pointscore thanks to a gold medal from 19-year-old Dane Henry in the men’s division, and bronze medals from Morgan Cibilic and Fitzgibbons herself.Fitzgibbons said she was incredibly proud of the result.“I’ve ridden the highs and lows of every opportunity chasing the team gold over the past 14 years, so to be able to stand on the podium in the green and gold with my teammates, knowing we’ve broken that drought, is something super memorable,” she said. “Surfing can be such an individual sport, but these moments where you come together as a team and win for your country are so deeply felt.”As the most experienced member of the squad, Fitzgibbons also played a mentoring role for emerging stars like Henry and Milla Brown - something she described as an honour.“I can reflect and relate to the chapter Milla and Dane are currently experiencing. To be there alongside them during this stage, helping them focus and celebrate what is happening now - before worrying about what comes next - was really fulfilling for me.”Seeing Henry win gold at his first open ISA World Surfing Games was a highlight for Fitzgibbons, who also praised the resilience shown by her fellow teammates.“It was unreal watching Dane step up at his first open Worlds and claim gold - it was goosebumps stuff. And Morgan’s bronze showed so much grit, determination and experience. Every athlete’s result added fuel to the fire and inspired me in different ways.”This victory marks Australia’s sixth team gold medal in ISA World Surfing Games history, and their 16th overall team medal, reaffirming Australia’s status as the most successful nation in the event’s history.“It shows that Australia is right at the top again. This win proves we’ve got the depth, the talent, and the belief to compete with the best teams in the world. From the juniors all the way up to the experienced Tour surfers, the pipeline of talent is strong, and full of fire and inspiration to carry forward Australia’s long surfing legacy.”Fitzgibbons also reflected on her own performance, which earned her a bronze medal. After a sluggish opening in the final, she changed her approach mid-heat and committed to chasing bigger scores on the other side of the bank - a move she said she was proud of.“After a slow start on scores at the beginning of the heat, I knew the door was open for a big number on the other side of the bank, and the only way to put myself in contention was to roll the dice and go after it. It’s about staying composed, reading the ocean, and committing to your choices,” she said. “Even though I didn’t come away with the gold, I’m proud of the way I kept pushing until the very end, working the problem and staying calm and aware as I weighed up the best percentage plays.”Sally surfing in the ISA World Surfing Games. Photo: International Surfing OrganisationThe World Surfing Games was also a key step toward qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and Fitzgibbons said she would be all in if given another chance to represent Australia.“The Olympics is such a pinnacle moment for any athlete, and I’d love nothing more than to have another crack at it. Competing in Tokyo was such an honour. Many stars have to align to get to another Games - all you can do is keep showing up, and you never know what the future might have in store.”For now, Fitzgibbons is focused on competing in the Challenger Series, aiming to requalify for the 2026 Championship Tour - but her mindset is about embracing every moment.“It’s all about savouring every opportunity and milestone. In sport, some things might lead to more success, or they might be your last big moment. Not knowing is hard, and creates challenging emotions, but I’ve come to discover that sitting in that ‘hard’ - that’s the real gold in all of this.”“In light of that, if this was my last pinnacle moment, I could walk away with my heart full and lifelong memories."For the next generation, just know this: you’re part of an Australian surfing culture that’s alive and thriving. If you love it and commit to it, anything is possible.”
