From almost drowning as a child to the pinnacle of surf lifesaving

Australian Iron Series champion Tiarnee Massie, a third-generation surf lifesaver, has come a long way from narrowly surviving a drowning incident at nine months old. The incident, which occurred when her older sister left the pool gate open, left her drowning at the bottom of the pool. Her mother, alerted by her gut instinct, rushed to save her, performing resuscitation and saving her life.

This near-death experience did not deter Massie, who returned to the water the very next day. Her mother, deeply affected by the ordeal, went on to become a CPR trainer at the Maroochydore Surf Club. Massie's ability to remain calm under pressure during a life-or-death situation, a skill honed in that early incident, was passed on to her, who has since saved lives through surf lifesaving.

Despite a disappointing heartache at the Coolangatta Gold last year, Massie remains focused on defending her title in the upcoming Iron Series. She feels honored to wear the yellow jersey, a symbol of her achievements and the legacy of surf lifesaving.