Day three of the Lifesaving World Championships 2024 national teams competition produced one of the most dominant individual performances of the meet, with New Zealand’s Fergus Eadie breaking two world records in two different events.
Eadie set the pool alight at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, starting with a blistering World Record 50m Manikin Carry heat swim (27.20) in the morning session.
Surrounded by his extended family wearing matching Fergus ‘face’ t-shirts he said the nerves were out in force before his heat World Record.
“We were stood down beforehand so the legs were shaking a bit. The whistle went to get down and I thought damnit! I tried to calm myself down, looked down the lane, tunnel vision, focused on myself and that got me through it.”
“I thought the time was going to be good but I didn’t think it was going to be that good so I am so happy.
“To have all my family here and do it in front of them, it’s special. I would not be here without them, they support day in day out, everything they do for me, this is not just for me, it’s for them.”
Eadie continued his World Record run during the finals session with a 43.97 in the 100m Manikin Carry with Fins Final, touching ahead of Australia’s Harrison Hynes (44.19). He said it was overwhelming but incredible at the same time.
“It was just adrenaline that got me through that last one, it’s awesome, just awesome. I have such an amazing team behind me, getting me into the warm down pool, ice baths, ice vests; anything I could possibly want I’ve got it here. I have the most cool crew behind me.”
Eadie’s 100m Manikin Carry with Fins record was surpassed in 2025 when French athlete Tom Duranger lowered the mark. With Eadie now officially named in New Zealand’s team for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026, he returns with the opportunity to build on his previous success and reassert himself among the sport’s leading performers.
Follow along as we continue to highlight the defining performances, record‑breaking achievements and standout stories in our Magic Moments series, counting down to the Lifesaving World Championships in South Africa from 25 November to 13 December. Follow ILSF_org on Instagram for more athlete profiles and countdown content.
