Part-time Point Lonsdale resident Laurie Phipps (pictured) and younger brother Jay have represenbted both France and Australia in recent weeks. Photos courtesy French Surfing Federation / We Creative SURFING - From opposite side of the globe, sister and brother Laurie and Jay Phipps are conquering waves.
On the back of scoring a Gold medal at the French Parasurf Championships in October, Laurie last month placed third at the World Para Surfing Championships.
Laurie, whose foot was amputated after a devastating scooter accident two years ago, was competing for France in the women’s stand two division.
Speaking after the event, she thanked supporters from both France and Australia who had aided her performance had encouraged to go further.
“This bronze medal is an encouragement for my first world championships. I will do everything to come back next year and I will try to improve a bit,” she said.
Younger brother Jay, meanwhile, last month helped Victoria finish third in the Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Titles, staged at North Stradbroke.
He finished equal fifth in the Under 16 Men division.
Laurie and Jay’s father, Mark Phipps, is a highly-regarded surf board maker. Through his work, the family shares their time between Point Lonsdale and France.
On the back of scoring a Gold medal at the French Parasurf Championships in October, Laurie last month placed third at the World Para Surfing Championships.
Laurie, whose foot was amputated after a devastating scooter accident two years ago, was competing for France in the women’s stand two division.
Speaking after the event, she thanked supporters from both France and Australia who had aided her performance had encouraged to go further.
“This bronze medal is an encouragement for my first world championships. I will do everything to come back next year and I will try to improve a bit,” she said.
Younger brother Jay, meanwhile, last month helped Victoria finish third in the Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Titles, staged at North Stradbroke.
He finished equal fifth in the Under 16 Men division.
Laurie and Jay’s father, Mark Phipps, is a highly-regarded surf board maker. Through his work, the family shares their time between Point Lonsdale and France.