Denmark’s Anthony McEwan top of the world at 2024 Lifesaving World Championships

Five years ago Denmark’s Anthony McEwan was told he may never run again and now he is a 2km beach run world champion.

The athletic veteran was the quickest across the sand at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships on the Gold Coast in September and crowned world champion of the male masters 55-59 division.

McEwan gained entry to the world titles after winning the same event at the 2024 Australian Championships on the Sunshine Coast in April.

However, the Denmark Surf Life Saving Club member’s rise to the biggest stage has been far from easy.

McEwan sustained two nasty injuries in the last five years which threatened to end his hopes of competing at the top level again.

But with the help of his cherished Denmark sporting clubs, the evergreen 55-year-old was determined to make another push.

“Competing in surf lifesaving masters competitions across Australia has been an eight-year goal of mine, with a few bumps and injuries along the way,” McEwan said.

“Five years ago, a doctor in Albany told me I’d never run again after a knee injury, and two years ago I had a serious mountain biking accident, which left me dealing with concussion and a back injury.

“But I’ve been motivated by incredible clubs like the Denmark Running Club, Denmark Surf Life Saving Club, and Denmark Walpole Junior Football Club to keep showing up and pushing through.

“Other groups, like the Denmark MTB Club, Wilson Inlet Park Run, Denmark Rowers and Albany Athletics Club, have also been instrumental in keeping me motivated and inspired.”

McEwan credited his success to the gorgeous surroundings of Denmark which has provided the ideal training conditions, and his supportive family and friends.

“Denmark is truly one of the best outdoor training environments in the world,” he said.

“We have six seasons, stunning surf and swimming beaches, inlets, rivers, forests, trails, and country roads, along with a fantastic range of volunteer community groups that promote participation and organise events.

“Huge thanks to my family, friends and community members who I run, walk, ride, paddle, swim, surf, stretch and kick the footy with.

“A special shout-out to those dedicated mates who motivate me to train with them in the dark, year-round, through rain, hail or shine.”