Jemma Smith to forgo ICF world championships for Coolangatta Gold challenge

Jemma Smith, a dominant ocean ski paddler with historic back-to-back ICF World Championship victories in 2022 and 2023, will not defend her ICF Ocean Racing title in Madeira. She prioritizes the long-desired Coolangatta Gold surf sports title. Smith explained the World Championships' timing, just one week before the Coolangatta Gold, and challenging travel from Australia, would severely compromise her preparation for the domestic event, making it a "super tough decision" to focus on the Gold.

Smith's initial passion was surf lifesaving, making a spectacular debut in the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series at 17. After sprint kayaking and missing Olympic selection, she returns to her roots. Excited for this comeback after a five-year hiatus, she diligently trains to regain muscle memory. She finds rigorous preparation for longer distance races rewarding and is fully committed.

Her previous Coolangatta Gold attempt was famously dramatic: at 20, she led the 42-kilometer race for over four hours, only to be overtaken in the final 200 meters. This near-victory fueled her enduring ambition. Her 2020 attempt was thwarted by COVID-19. Now, she feels it's the ideal time, benefiting from a supportive Newport group for peak condition. Surprisingly, she rediscovered her love for swimming, finding enjoyment and motivation from rapid improvements.

Her timing is opportune, with Shaw and Partners Financial Services now sponsoring the revamped Iron Series. Smith is seriously considering a full return, approaching it with maturity and less pressure, focusing on enjoyment. She will also continue downwind racing, having recently won The Chucky and planning for the Shaw and Partners Forster Race Weekend, with her coach scheduling a "Gold run-through" after the event.

Smith's absence, alongside 2019 World Champion Danielle McKenzie, will be notable at the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships. This has reignited debate about the event's standing, particularly after...

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