Scottburgh nippers make a splash at national champs
Cruz Roberts and Olivia Cox were named 2026 South African Nipper Surf Competitors of the Series in the U12 boys and U13 girls divisions respectively.
Young Scottburgh lifesavers made a big splash at the 2026 SA Nipper Championships, returning home with an impressive haul of medals and national honours.
Leading the way were Cruz Roberts and Olivia Cox, who were named 2026 South African Nipper Surf Competitors of the Series in the U12 boys and U13 girls divisions respectively.
Blake Killoran also delivered a standout performance, earning silver in the long run, board and body board, as well as finishing third overall in the U13 boys category.
Cruz added silver medals in surf swim, run-swim-run and sprints, along with bronze in flags, board and body board, while Olivia dominated her age group with gold in ironwoman, surf swim, board and run swim run, and bronze in flags and sprints.
Among the other highlights, nipper rookie Joshua Zietsman stunned more experienced competitors by sprinting to gold in the U13 boys division, while Tatum Cox claimed bronze in the U10 girls body board.
Scottburgh’s U12 boys also impressed in the team events, with Chayt Daniels, Cruz Roberts and Blake Killoran combining superbly to win silver in the board relay.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of the young athletes and the support of their coaches, club and families.
Special credit must also go to swim coach Owen Kuyper and nipper coach Kirsten Cox, whose commitment to training the nippers throughout the week – and not only on Sundays – has played an important role in this success.
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