EJ SWAPS GRASS FOR SAND

Date: 18th February 2021

Following Elizabeth (EJ) Forsyth’s life changing win at Stawell in 2018 she has continued on her path to success in Australian and international beach running.

The Women’s Gift champion went on to win the Open Beach Sprint and Flag double at the Australian Lifesaving Championships and then represented Australia at the 2018 World Lifesaving Championships where she became the World Beach Flag champion.

“In 2019 I had a 1st and 2nd placing at Beach Nationals and represented Australia later in the year at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in South Africa. 

“It was great to achieve such a huge personal goal and the prize that comes with winning Stawell allowed me to complete my university studies while pursuing my athletic career without the added stress of financial worries,” said EJ.

“2020 was a year like no other and with the cancellation of all major sporting events such as beach and track nationals, and the subsequent cancellation of the 2020 World Lifesaving Championships, maintaining motivation and vision was very challenging.

“I decided to spend 2020 managing any injuries or niggles and lay the foundation for what will be a hectic couple of seasons post Covid. However, being based in Queensland I was very lucky with having far less restrictions unlike other states around the country.”

Used to travelling abroad to compete, EJ is hoping she will be able to attend some international meetings soon. “I’m looking forward to international borders opening in the coming year as I’m hoping to represent Australia at the World Lifesaving Championships in Italy in 2022.”

However, like all athletes, fingers are crossed that home-grown events and competitions like the Powercor Stawell Gift will be going ahead as planned. “I’ll be making the most of any domestic opportunities in the meantime on both the grass and the beach.” 

Despite her focus on beach sprinting, EJ believes pro running will always have a special place in Australian athletics.  “This is especially so with long standing prestigious events like the Stawell Gift. Nearly 140 years of tradition and the Stawell Gift being an Easter weekend fixture provides such a unique experience and I’m so proud to have etched my name in the history books alongside so many other past champions.” 

EJ trains with Brett Robinson’s Viking Athletics and represents Currumbin Surf Club on the Gold Coast.

 

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