With little over three weeks until the start of the 11th annual Sanyo Cup in Japan, the New Zealand team has named Casie Fyall as the vice-captain of the 10-strong team.
Casie says: “To be given the opportunity to step up and take a leadership role is both a privilege and an honour, and a role I hope to do justice by leading as example.”
She will be supporting Captain Cory Taylor, at the international event on Momochi Beach in Fukuoka, run by the Japan Lifesaving Association. The event also attracts teams from Australia, USA, Great Britain, South Africa, Hong Kong and Japan.
This will be Casie’s third Sanyo Cup so she comes with great experience that will undoubtedly help the whole team in their quest for gold.
Coach Danny Morrison says “Casie’s experience in Japan, as well as at elite level in New Zealand and Australia, will certainly be a great asset to the younger members in the team. We are fortunate to have her join us and represent our strong female contingent in this team.”
Casie echoes Danny’s sentiments and says: “I will help the management team and Cory [Taylor] by being the lead voice of the girls, as I am the senior girl on the trip. As well as offering any advice or encouragement throughout the trip.”
The New Zealand team is made up of the following athletes:
Murdoch Finch, Omanu Beach
Casie Fyall, Waikanae
Claudia Kelly, East End
Cory Taylor, Midway
Hannah Baker, East End
Louis Clark, Taylors Mistake
Luther Maxwell, Lyall Bay
Macy Burns, Lyall Bay
Olivia Corrin, Midway
Scott Cowdrey, Papamoa
However, Casie is simply looking forward to racing and being with the team. “I can’t wait to race with the team and represent New Zealand again. Wearing the black cap can make people do some pretty amazing stuff, so I can’t wait to see the team give it a crack and put their foot on the line with the best of the best.”
“A big part of this trip is the team culture, so on race day everyone is there on the finish lines supporting those racing and celebrating regardless of the placing,” Casie adds.
The team will be competing at Momochi Seaside Park in Fukuoka on 23rd and 24th June and will be led by the management team of Danny Morrison (Coach), Jack Gavin (Assistant Coach) and Steve Vaughan (Manager).
Follow the team’s journey online here and keep up to date with the latest news.
For more information, please contact:
Alana McIsaac, Media & Communications Manager
Phone 027 515 7157
Email media@surflifesaving.org.nz