Finn Askew
22
YEARS OLD
QLD
SURFERS PARADISE SLSC
5th
2023/2024 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Finn Askew, or Finn Boy to his mates, is small town kid from NSW who moved to the Gold Coast to chase his dreams of becoming an Iron Series athlete. Under the tutelage of Zayne Hamill at Surfer Paradise SLSC, Askew achieved his goal as he debuted for his first full Iron Series in 2020/21, where we narrowly missed auto-qualification placing 12th. Askew has held on to his place in the Iron Series with a tight grip, notching two back-to-back 5th place finishes in recent years.
Finn, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
Mum and dad got me into surf lifesaving at 6 years of age. They wanted me to be competent in the water, over the years I started loving it more and I loved racing so it was obvious I wanted to take this route into the professional series.
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Ali Day, can’t go past him, he’s the best in my opinion. He’s an amazing athlete and also an amazing person and I’m now really good mates with him, training alongside him every morning and afternoon.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
“Focus on the process.” It allows you to stay in the present moment whilst racing and makes sure you don’t get ahead of yourself.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?
Back yourself, keep working hard and be a good person and the results will come.
What do you think about during a race?
What’s happening in that moment and what I can do to move through the pack/increase my lead.
Finn, what has been a high and low in your surf sports journey?
High: Placing first in the 2021/22 Iron Series Trial, and then going on to re-qualify for this next Iron Series.
Low: I love everything about this sport so there are no lows!
Do you have any pets?
I have a dog back home named Mac, he’s a fat black lab. I love him.
Who is your biggest competition in the Iron Series?
Everyone. You can’t disregard anyone, they are all a threat.