Joe Collins โ a Bond University Bachelor of Commerce graduate - is the toast of New Zealand after winning the Oceanman title at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships on the Gold Coast last week.
This victory adds yet another accolade to the Taranaki-raised 22-year-oldโs already impressive resume.
Collins was forced to showcase his grit and determination in a nail-biting Oceanman final contested over an M-shaped course starting with a swim, followed by a board, and finished with a ski.
He and fellow Bond University alumnus, Cory Taylor, got off to a terrific start and led the pack in the swim leg.
It was Aussie competitor Zach Morris who forced the pace on the board, pushing out to a 25-second lead heading into the ski.
But Collins kept his cool and steadily reeled Morris in.
In a dramatic twist, the Australian caught a late wave but lost control of his ski and was forced to swim the final stretch.
Collins, a member of the Bond Surf Swimming squad, seized the moment, riding a swell all the way to the beach with perfect control.
His triumph wasn't just a personal victory but also a boost for the New Zealand team, the Black Fins, who finished the Championships second overall, just behind Australia.
Collins expressed gratitude to his teammates, especially those who competed in the pool events earlier in the week, saying their efforts inspired him to push harder in the Oceanman.
โWe have a great team here,โ he said.
โWatching those guys give it their all in the pool, I knew I had to do the same in a race I knew I could hurt in.
โI was down in the board, but I thought, โWhat they did for us, I need to do for themโletโs absolutely rip into this.โ
โI really wanted to get that one for my teammates.โ
On top of his world title, Collins also netted five silver medals and two bronze medals in other events.
The Lifesaving World Championships saw strong performances from other Bond University alumni as well.
Cory Taylor, another standout athlete, secured a third-place finish in the Oceanman event, marking his second consecutive podium finish at the World Championships after he crossed the line first at last yearโs event. The Kiwi team skipper took home three silver medals to go with his Oceanman bronze.
Both are lining up at the Interclub World Championships on the Gold Coast this week.
Collins will represent BMD Northcliffe team, while Taylor will don the cap of his Kiwi home club, Midway.