Rising Sunshine Coast surf life saving star Britt Ackerley at Matthew Flinders Anglican College is balancing a gruelling competition and touring schedule with the academic demands of Year 11.
Britt is a Flinders Scholar and also part of the College's Flinders Elite Athlete Program, which this year supports 45 talented student athletes across more than 20 sports.
Scholarships are open now to the Flinders Scholarship Program, including Sports and Music Scholarships, with applications due by Monday, 12 August.
Britt is on a two-week Youth Development Tour of California, USA, competing in the San Clemente Ocean Festival and the California Regional Championships as part of the Maroochydore Surf Club Team.
She is also preparing to compete in the Life Saving World Championships on the Gold Coast, racing from 2-8 September, involving clubs from 50 countries across the globe.
Other FEAP athletes also competing in the Life Saving World Championships include Pipi B (Year 10), Grace McM (Year 11), Luca W (Year 11), Tom B (Year 12), Serena B (Year 12), Sienna C (Year 10) and Sive G (Year 11).
Britt's recent competition highlights include racing at the Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic in February where she won Overall Board Champion by winning first place in the U17 Board Race and two second place in the U17 Ironwoman races as well as a fifth in the Surf Ski.
At the Queensland State Titles in March, Britt came away with seven medals from eight events, including three firsts in the Taplin, Ski Rescue and Board Relay.
Flinders Program Supporting Elite Student Athletes
Britt says her busy schedule is made more manageable with support from the Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP) and as a Flinders Scholar recipient.
FEAP provides student athletes with wide-ranging support as they strive to perform with distinction at an elite level while embracing a quality education.
“With all this time I am missing school, I am so grateful for everything that Matthew Flinders Anglican College does to support my journey,” Britt says.
“Flinders allows me to balance my sport and studies and take advantage of all the opportunities I have.
“My goals for surf lifesaving are to make the professional Shaw and Partners Iron Series, which is the top level of the sport, and to race for the Australian Open Team in the World Championships in Morocco in 2026.
“I am passionate about my sport and also want to build a career in the future that isn’t solely focused on surf life saving. A career in physiotherapy is a possibility as it could take me to so many places.”
Through FEAP, Britt is supported to manage her study and assessment schedules while also learning time management skills and working with experts to boost her knowledge of nutrition, injury management, performance mindset and breathwork.
“I love the athlete culture at Flinders. The Flinders Elite Athlete Program creates a wonderful opportunity for athletes from many different sports to mix and become friends, which is a great support when times are hectic.”
FEAP Director Lauren Nourse said, “Britt has so much to be proud of.
“Her commitment to her sport and studies is inspiring and we are delighted to guide her as part of our FEAP. She is a positive role model for her peers.”
To learn more about FEAP, visit here.
To explore Scholarships at Flinders, visit here.
