World

Wary of breaking’s controversial debut, surf lifesaving is preparing its Olympic push


Ali Day wants to figure in surf lifesaving’s push for Olympic inclusion, determined to ensure his sport doesn’t “cop it” like breaking did in Paris.

Nine-time Coolangatta Gold champion Day will look to stretch his unbeaten streak to double figures in what could be his final appearance at the iconic multi-discipline surf race on Sunday.

Contemplating retirement, the 33-year-old is keen to lend his expertise as the sport joins the likes of flying disc, rugby league and netball as contenders for Brisbane’s 2032 Games.

However, there is trepidation after breaking’s Paris debut was soured by questions of legitimacy, and Australian representative Rachael Gunn was the subject of global ridicule.

“The last thing I’d want — I don’t know if I should say it, I hate to say it — but you look at break dancing and it just copped it so much at the Olympics and I’d hate for my sport to experience that,” Day told AAP.

“But I don’t think it would … some of the toughest, fittest athletes in the world are ironmen and women.

“I’ll be 42 and coaching or in a management role and that’s why I’d love to be part of it, present it or push it.

“I have the knowledge to give. Its inclusion would be a proud moment for me and the sport and everyone who came before.

“I’d love to turn the TV on in 2032 and be sitting there with my kids saying, ‘How good’s this’.”

Wary of breaking’s controversial debut, surf lifesaving is preparing its Olympic push

Ali Day has won the Coolangatta Gold Ironman race nine times. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

Paris included breaking for the first time and welcomed back surfing, skateboard and climbing after they had debuted in Tokyo.

Breaking will not feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where squash and flag football will debut and baseball, softball, cricket and lacrosse return.

The Olympic Programme Commission, which includes Australian surfer Sally Fitzgibbons as a member, won’t officially begin considering Brisbane’s additional sports any earlier than 2026.

LA’s indulgence in including the typically American pastime of flag football has already drawn light-hearted jest from Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee chief Andrew Liveris.

And it strengthens lifesaving’s case, given nearly 50 nations competed at this year’s world championships.

The IOC has also stressed new sports must be sustainable, inclusive, urban, youth-oriented, spectacular and gender-equal, while not requiring new, permanent infrastructure.

AAP


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