Joe Collins
22
YEARS OLD
QLD
NORTHCLIFFE SLSC
2nd
2023/2024 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Bio
Growing up in New Zealand, Joe Collins followed in his idol Cory Taylor’s footsteps to become a Iron Series athlete. Having claimed the New Zealand U14 Ironman title, Collins then made the move to the Gold Coast to chase his surf sports dream. Since then, he has achieved three overall Iron Series podium finishes, two thirds and a second place. Collins now has his eyes on that champion’s trophy, is this his year?
Joe, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
I was 7 years old when I joined Fitzroy to gain a better understanding of the ocean and how to be safe in the water.
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Cory Taylor and Max Beattie were the top kiwi ironmen when I was growing up and really showed me that kiwis can make it. Was a pretty surreal experience to come over and then train and race with them.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?
Focus on the process, keep working hard and the results will follow.
Who is your biggest competition in the 20/21 Nutri-Grain IronMan Series?
I go into every race thinking the whole field could win the race so everyone, but if I had to choose someone it would be Zac Morris and Finn Askew. Coming up through the same age group and being in all the same Nutri-Grain Series so far, there’s definitely some friendly competition between the three of us. I always love putting my foot on the line against them.
Joe, what has been a high and low in your surf sports journey?
High: Coming third in my debut Iron Series or winning the U19 Ironman at Aussies 21.
Low: The 21/22 Iron Series, I feel like I didn’t perform as well as I could’ve.
What do you think about during a race?
Always trying to focus on what I’m doing, whether that’s landing a jump start, turning the can or lengthening my stroke.
Do you have a secret talent?
Can do a decent manu (bomb/cannonball for those that don’t know what this is).