Shark-Rescue Champion Charlie Verco Calls for Surf Life Saving at Brisbane 2032 Olympics

Charlie Verco, ranked number one in the Iron Series, credits his surf-life-saving training for rescuing Leah Stewart when a three- to four-metre shark attacked her at Coogee Beach, an incident that left Stewart with severe injuries and an amputated arm. He describes the split-second decisions he made in the water and how his experience with Newport Surf Life Saving Club prepared him for the crisis. The 2026/27 Iron Series will launch with the Coolangatta Gold on 17 October before moving to Thirroul, Newcastle and Surfers Paradise.

Verco and fellow top seed Tiarnee Massie argue that surf life saving embodies Australian beach culture and could help reduce drownings globally if showcased at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. They note the sport requires no new infrastructure and already has a world championship in Gqeberha, South Africa. Their campaign aligns with the Fit for the Future program’s aim to promote sport for health and community resilience. Inclusion, they say, would give the world a vivid example of a competition built around saving lives.