Ethan Callaghan
18
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK
1st
NEXT GEN SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Next Gen qualifier, Ethan Callaghan started his surf lifesaving journey at North Burleigh SLSC. Pursuit of his dreams of making the professional series saw the young athlete make a move to Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park SLSC to train under the great Michael King. Thriving in his new environment under Kingy and surrounded by elite athletes, Callaghan says he’s become and faster athlete and his goals this season include ‘bringing it’ to some of the more seasoned athletes to show them that the youth is coming. His list of accolades is already impressive, coming 1st in the Youth Board and the Youth Oceanman, and 3rd in the Youth Surf Race as a member of the Youth ALT for Worlds 2024. He also claimed a 2nd place in the U19 Male Board at this year’s Aussies. 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 putting in the work and soon you will be standing up here with me. Not everything is going to go perfect along the journey of success.
Who is your biggest competition in the 2024/25 Shaw and Partners Iron Series?
I like to think a few of the younger boys my age like Ryley Harland and Conner Maggs. We all grew up together in our age groups and there is a great mateship and rivalry between us.
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: Getting injured in 2022/23 which made me miss out of the most of the season.
Do you have a secret talent?
I am a mathematician.
What is your go-to meal before a carnival?
Italian – pizza and pasta.