Gemma Smith-Welch
22
YEARS OLD
QLD
BMD NORTHCLIFFE
#23
2026/2027 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Gemma Smith-Welch started her surf life saving journey at Noosa SLSC in U6’s, took a break, and then returned to Sunshine Beach SLSC in U12’s, before moving to BMD Northcliffe SLSC to follow her dream of becoming a professional Ironwoman. A gun Netball player who has played in State rep teams, Smith-Welch makes her Shaw and Iron Series debut in 2025/26 after qualifying through the Trial, presented by Race One Surf Craft – a goal she has been working hard towards for past couple of years. Outside of training and racing, Smith-Welch is full-time university student studying Sports Management and International Business, and loves to spend time with friends and family at the beach.
Gemma, which is your favourite race format?
I’d say the Super Sprint. I like that you get three opportunities to race, so if one race doesn’t quite go your way, you have the chance to reset and improve in the next one. I also like that consistency across all three races pays off, rather than everything coming down to one race.
What is your best training hack?
Consistency. Just showing up every day and getting the work done. Especially on the days when I really don’t feel like training, because being able to show up anyway and get through the session builds my confidence the most. I love to be able to prove to myself that I don’t have to feel amazing every day to still put in the work and get something out of it.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Trust the work you’ve done. You’re never going to feel amazing every day, and one bad session or race doesn’t undo all the work that came before it. I’ve learnt to focus on what I can control, let go of what I can’t, and back myself when it matters. By the time I’m standing on the start line, the hard work has already been done — I just have to trust myself and race.
What is your top Iron Series moment so far?
Finishing the Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold last year. I was so nervous going into it because it was a race I never really saw myself doing. I remember getting to the finish and just being so relieved and happy so that was a really special moment for me.