Pāpāmoa Athletes Named in Junior Black Fins Squad

The Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club is proud to congratulate Luke Gillbanks and Amelie Pearson, who have been named by Surf Life Saving New Zealand High Performance into the Junior Black Fins World Championships campaign squad for 2026.

This squad represents the wider group of athletes from which the final Junior Black Fins team will be selected ahead of the Lifesaving World Championships in December 2026 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Final selections are expected to be confirmed at the end of June, with 12 athletes (six male and six female) making the travelling team.

Being named in the campaign squad is a significant milestone within Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s high‑performance pathway. It recognises strong performances and places Luke and Amelie firmly in contention as they work towards final team selection.

For Amelie, the announcement marks a major step closer to a long‑held goal.

“Being named in the Junior Black Fins World Championships squad is a very crucial step closer to the final goal, so I’m very grateful to have been selected.”

Currently based in Australia, Amelie is deep into her preparation phase.

“With the Australian pool rescue season underway, my focus is on pool and gym training at the moment. I’ll head back to New Zealand in June to compete in the final trial event, which will contribute to selection.”

She says the opportunity only adds to her motivation.

“It has been a big goal of mine to make this team, and knowing I’m in the mix makes me even more committed to working as hard as I can. Representing New Zealand would be an amazing experience.”

For Luke, selection into the squad reflects years of aspiration and commitment to the sport.

“It means a lot. It’s been a dream of mine since I was at Oceans competition age.”

With final selection still to come, his focus is firmly on preparation and performance.

“I’m training pretty hard at the moment. My main focus is swimming and pool rescue leading into the competition in Christchurch — it’s a key chance to put down race times and show versatility for selectors.”

His current schedule highlights the level of commitment required at this level.

“I’m doing swim squad training five mornings a week, pool champs sessions, senior squad winter training in the evenings, plus gym and beach sprint sessions where I can.”

Looking ahead, Luke is motivated by both the honour and the challenge of potential selection.

“It would be a huge honour to wear the silver fern and represent New Zealand. Competing against the best athletes in the world would be an exciting challenge, and the chance to travel to South Africa makes it even more special.”

At the same time, he remains grounded in the process.

“I’m not thinking too far ahead — I know I still need to be selected, and there’s strong competition in the squad.”

Selection for the final team will consider performances across multiple disciplines, as well as how athletes combine to form the strongest possible team. Unlike many domestic events that favour specialists, the World Championships demand athletes who can perform across beach, ocean, and pool events in a fast‑paced and demanding competition environment.

There are still important opportunities ahead for athletes to impress selectors, including upcoming events and a preparation camp on the Gold Coast later this year. Conditions in Port Elizabeth are expected to be challenging and variable, placing a premium on adaptability — a quality both athletes have consistently shown.

This selection is an exciting step in the pathway for both Luke and Amelie and reflects the hard work and dedication they continue to bring to their training.

The club looks forward to supporting them over the coming months as they continue their push towards final selection.

Congratulations again to both athletes, and best of luck for the journey ahead.