Charlie Verco
19
YEARS OLD
NSW
NORTH BONDI SLSC
19th
2020/2021 SERIES
board
STRENGTH
Bio
Winner of the inaugural Coolangatta Gold at Bate Bay 2020, and current holder of the NSW U19 Iron and Board titles, Charlie Verco is a newcomer to the series in Round 4, having been awarded a late wild card entry after his recent surf sport successes. Coached by former Ironman Scott Thompson and Olympian Jim Walker in the ski, Verco started at North Bondi as a five-year-old, but it wasn’t until he was 16 until he claimed his first medal, a silver in the Coolangatta Gold short course.
A passionate surfer, he loves the ocean and is known as a hard trainer. When not in the water, he is studying mathematics and science at Sydney University.
Charlie, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
Dad grew up doing surf club, so he brought me down to my first year of nippers when I was five years old.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
I have always looked up to Ali Day because of his determination and positive attitude as a competitor. He would always grit his teeth and give the race everything, and no matter what, he finishes with a smile on his face.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Hard work beats talent.
Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?
Work hard, be patient, and you will be rewarded.
What do you think about on the start line?
Staying focused – I’m looking for a clean start.
What do you think about during a race?
Nothing, I am fully in the moment and focused on what’s in front of me.
Charlie, what has been a high and low in your IronMan journey?
High: I always love competing at the Aussies, so my gold medals in the U17 Taplin and 2km Beach Runs are definitely a highlight!
Low: The Coolangatta Gold being cancelled in 2020. I was training really hard for it and was looking forward to testing myself again.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can do a rubix cube faster than Jackson Borg!