Ethan Callaghan
19
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK
8th
2024/25 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Stats
Bio
Ethan Callaghan made his Shaw and Partners Iron Series debut in the red lycra of the Next Gen champion, and after exploding on to the scene with an opening round podium finish, earned himself auto-requalification to the 2025/26 competition. Callaghan’s dream debut season culminated in an incredible performance across the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, which saw him crowned the Male Competitor of the Carnival. He credits surf lifesaving with helping him create lifelong friends and he enjoys chilling with his mates and watching footy.
Ethan, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
I was 6 when I first got started in surf lifesaving.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
Ali Day. He’s the best, and now I get to race him!
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Sometimes you have to choose what is right, not what is easy. Michael king told me this.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Athletes?
Just keep trying and learning from the best of the sport and soon you will be racing at the highest level. Keep putting in the work and most importantly enjoying it!
Who is your favourite music artist?
Eminem.
Ethan, what has been a high and low in your Ironman journey?
High: Qualifying for the Shaw and Partners Iron Series through Next Gen.
Low: Injuries are my low. I have had a few of them and they can be really painful and take the most our of training and racing.
Do you have a secret talent?
I am a mathematician.
What is your go-to meal before a carnival?
Italian – pizza and pasta.