Cyra Bender has represented Australia on multiple occasions in Surf Lifesaving and every time she’s found herself in spirited competition with the New Zealand Blackfins.
It’s somewhat ironic then that Bender’s next opportunity to race involves teaming up with her traditional trans-Tasman rivals.
The recent Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduate will next month race at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Adelaide, a selection event for November’s Lifesaving World Championships in South Africa, where athletes are required to race in both the pool and the ocean.
Bender will race the individual events at the Pool “Aussies” before representing Northcliffe in the relays, with New Zealand superstars Zoe Crawford and Madi Kidd among her teammates.
“Pool Aussies is a really important meet because it’s what selectors are looking at for the Australian team, which is one of my major goals for the season,” Bender said.
“I'll do my main races, which are the fin events and the mannequin carries - anything raced over 50m or 100 metres really.
“Then I’ll race all the relays which is exciting as we have a really strong team pool rescue team, including Madi, and Zoe who is the world record holder.
Bender’s 2025/26 rollercoaster season was bookended by the greatest achievements of her young career.
After qualifying for the Shaw and Partners Iron Series in November, her progress was disrupted by stress fractures in her shins and a finger injury in the New Year.
The 20-year-old returned to training in February before striking triple gold in the surf teams, surf belt and tube rescue races at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships.
Juggling a demanding study load with twice daily training, Bender was understandably craving a break when her final exams were finished in May.
It was while in Europe on a month-long holiday visiting partner, cricketer and fellow Bondy Zac McDermott, that she learned of her graduation.
“I had Aussies and then end of semester exams, and I left for Europe the day after my last exam,” Bender said.
“I went to Europe to have a holiday and to visit Zac - he’s playing county cricket in Kent. It was the first time I’d been able to line it up with such a busy schedule.
“I found out I had graduated while over there and was like, ‘oh my gosh, I have to find something to wear for the ceremony!’”
Bender returned to the Gold Coast refreshed and ready to launch into training for both Pool Aussies and the Coolangatta Gold in October.
One of the rare athletes to have reached the top level in both the ocean and pool components of Surf Lifesaving, Bender says it was a chance conversation with sparked her interest in the lesser-known pool rescue side.
“A lot of surf athletes aren't really aware of the importance of pool rescue as part of the World’s set up, and how a win in the line throw is worth the same amount of points as an ironwoman,” Bender said.
“Originally, I was just a surf athlete but a few years ago I fractured my foot and couldn't do surf and Northcliffe’s pool rescue coach Mel (Jackson) was like, ‘maybe you should give pool rescue a go.’
“The surf is still my favourite, but I do really get a lot of enjoyment out of the pool as well.
“I’ve actually found that doing surf, and particularly the Coolangatta Gold, gives me an amazing fitness base for the pool.”
Bender is looking to study medicine in January, so until then she has extra time to dedicate to her quest to help Australia defend the Lifesaving World Cup.
“For me, the Australian team is the pinnacle of the sport – it’s what I’ve always wanted to work towards,” Bender said.
“It’s such a special, welcoming environment and I get so happy and excited even talking about it.
“When representing Australia, I push myself the hardest I ever have, because I’m not just doing it for me, I’m doing it for my teammates.
“It’s for everyone else around me, and everyone who has helped me get there.”