Charlie Verco
24
YEARS OLD
NSW
NEWPORT SLSC
N/A
2024/2025 SERIES
board
STRENGTH
Bio
Charlie Verco started out as a North Bondi Nipper in the U6s, and has since become an accomplished Ironman and Board Paddler. Verco has also made a name for himself at the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, becoming the youngest ever winner on his debut race, claiming the second fasted crossing of all time, and the largest ever winning margin. A passionate surfer, he loves the ocean and is known as a hard trainer. Outside of training, Verco loves to surf and is learning to downwind foil. He is also juggling studies and work, as he completes a Bachelor of Science (Financial Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science) while working casually as a coach, private tutor, and in hospitality.
Charlie, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
5 because my parents wanted me to learn surf skills.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
I grew up watching Shannon dominating the Irons and I admired his composure and control in races. I also grew up training with Lizzie Welborn and she was a great role model for being a professional, dedicated, and high performing athlete.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
“If it doesn’t make you nervous, its not worth doing.” – My great uncle Ian when helping me work through my fear of waves when I was younger. I have applied it in many areas of my life and it has allowed me to achieve goals that I never would have believed.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?
Build habits that promote success, but have fun while you’re doing it.
Do you have any race superstitions?
Doing a board start after the race briefing and getting in trouble with the starter.
What do you think about during a race?
I’m always thinking when I race, sometimes too much. It is usually “what decision should I make right now that will provide me with the greatest chance of winning.”
Charlie, what has been a high and low in your IronMan journey?
I have many highs in my ironman career, one being bronze in the Aussies Open Iron, or making this year’s Shaw and Partners Iron Series through the Trial, presented by Race One.
Low points of my Iron career would be having 6 months away from the sport due to fatigue related complications. Otherwise the trials for the last couple of years. The trials have always been a heart-breaking event for me, especially over the last couple of years when I thought I well and truly deserved to make it through and didn’t perform at my best. Especially last year when I fell ill on the second day of the trials, I really struggled to find a lesson in that because I felt I had done everything right. Made it all the more special making it through this year.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can eat massive amounts of food.