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Skills learnt at USC boost surf champ’s career
Studying international business at the University of the Sunshine Coast is now helping surf life saving champ Kristy Ellis (nee Munroe) take her sport to Egypt.
“There is a base of surf life saving in Egypt but it will be the first time the world titles are contested there,” she said of the October event called Rescue 2010.
More than 3,000 athletes will compete at Mamoura Beach at Alexandria, a city of five million along the Mediterranean coastline.
“Surf can actually get quite big in the Mediterranean, though it’s not the norm,” she said. “The waves were challenging in Italy at the world titles in 2004.”
At 27, Kristy has eased back on competing to perform volunteer roles on the boards of both the Australian and International surf life saving organisations.
The Maroochydore resident graduated from USC in 2006 with a Bachelor of Business focusing on marketing and international business. In the same year she received a USC Alumni of the Year award.
She now works in customer relations at Adenbrook Homes, overseeing administration policies.
“I’ve always been interested in the property market so it’s a good way to learn the construction side of the business,” Kristy said.
“Studying at USC was a real confidence booster for me, and the benefits have been broader than specific courses.
“I’ve developed skills for life, such as communication – particularly with people from different countries – time management and organisation.
“The location was perfect for my life, sport and work and the facilities, lecturers and courses made it a really good experience.”
Kristy expected the Egypt project to be a challenge, taking into account cultural differences, but she was determined to help increase awareness of surf life saving so it could expand across the globe.
Her outstanding contribution to the community was honoured on Australia Day when she won the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s Sport and Recreation Award 2010.
“I’m an Australia Day ambassador so I was making a speech before the council ceremony at Mooloolaba last month,” she recalled. “It was a nice surprise when I received one of the awards at the end!”
Kristy has been a member of Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club for 21 years. She is a former champion ironwoman who captained the Australian Surf Life Saving Team to victory at the 2008 World Titles.
— Julie Gatehouse