Grace Harris
21
YEARS OLD
QLD
Alexandra Headland SLSC
N/A
2021/2022 SERIES
board
STRENGTH
Bio
Growing up in Victoria, Grace Harris always dreamt of becoming a Nutri-Grain IronWomen. She started her surf lifesaving journey at the age of 7, participating in nippers and competing for Torquay SLSC and won numerous state level medals, particularly in Board and Iron racing. She holds the formidable record of winning the Victorian state under age and Open Board race title four years in a row. She has also won the 2018 U19 Coolangatta Gold Short Course as well as individually medalling silver at Aussies in 2018 and 2019. Harris made the move to the Sunshine Coast at the beginning of 2020 and is currently studying a degree in Sport and Exercise Science.
Grace, how old were you when you started surf lifesaving and why?
I started when I was 7, Mum used to always tell my twin brother and I about how she did surf life saving when she was younger and we wanted to have a go.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
As a nipper it was always Courtney Hancock, however when I moved onto longboards, I was always looking up to by Harriet Brown. Coming from Victoria herself, it inspired me to chase my dreams. I have been in a few Victoria teams with her and have always seen her as a mentor.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
My dad always tells me to trust the process and to not overthink.
Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?
Continue to dream large, work hard and most importantly have fun, eventually the stars will align and it will all fall into place.
What do you think about on the start line?
Having a good start, trusting the process, and having fun.
Grace, what has been a high and low in your IronWoman journey?
High: Receiving a Wildcard into this year’s Nutri-Grain Series as well as previous individual medals at Aussies.
Low: being struck with glandular fever in the middle of the 2019/2020 season.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
A few days before I race I like to get my nails painted pink.
Do you have any secret talents?
I’m good at spelling!