Finella Gibbs-Beal
22
YEARS OLD
QLD
NOOSA HEADS SLSC
#28
2026/27 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Finella Gibbs-Beal brings an impressive open-water swimming background to her first Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Born in the small fishing town of St Ives in the UK, Gibbs-Beal spent part of her childhood in Nelson, New Zealand, before moving to Noosa at 12. She went on to represent Australia at both Junior and Open level in the 5km and 10km open-water swimming events, competing around the world. Away from training, Gibbs-Beal works as a teacher’s aide while studying Secondary Education, majoring in English Literature and HPE. A keen reader and writer, she also enjoys spending time at the beach with a coffee and her black Labrador, Rocky.
Finella, which race format is your favourite?
The Specialist as I think it’s the best format for me and the first podium got.
What is the best part about being a surf sports athlete?
The diversity of racing and training in conditions that challenge you in different ways. One of the key aspects that motivated me to committing to the surf sports program was the intricacy of training ski paddling to swimming, strength and conditioning to running etc. I find the complexity of training different systems hugely stimulating and rewarding.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Nature never rushes, yet everything is achieved.
Do you have a secret talent?
I have a niche interest in Shakespeare plays and can pretty much quote Romeo and Juliet word for word.