Lifesaving athletes prepare to shine at the 2025 World Games

Posted By: BTB 10th July 2025

With less than a month to go, anticipation is building around the globe as the world’s top lifesaving athletes prepare to descend on Chendu (CHN) for the 2025 World Games.

The World Games are celebrated every four years and are the premier international event for sports not contested in the Olympic Games. As well as being an opportunity for sports to showcase their elite competition, it offers athletes a chance to experience a premier sporting event.

At the World Games, lifesaving competition takes place in the pool and includes Manikin Carry (with and without fins), Manikin Tow, Rescue Medley, Super Lifesaver and Relays. This year’s iteration will feature more than 100 athletes from 12 nations.

Over the coming month, The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is proud to spotlight some of the elite competitors who will represent our sport in this multi-sport celebration that will take place over 10 days, from 7-17 August.

Check-in regularly as we release athlete profiles in the countdown to this year’s event.

Australia

Ten powerhouse athletes will represent the green and gold, including siblings Callum and Riley Brennan, and NSW and Australian Lifeguard of the Year, Mariah Jones.

Athlete Profiles – Australia

View the Australian team announcement on the Surf Life Saving Australia website.

Belgium

Belgium’s team showcases dynamic pool talent with Aurelie Romanini and Nele Vanbuel leading the  way, backed by Marine Harzé, Elise Croes, and Bo Van De Plas in sprint and technical events.

France

France will field a team of 12 athletes including Tom Durager, Elouan Deffin, Goroco Koindredi, and Kevin Lasserre. Their female athletes, Romane Boudes, Margauz Fabre, Camille Bouteloup and Magali Rousseau will bring strength and precision to the pool lanes.

Germany

Germany is sending a powerhouse group led by Danny Wieck and Nina Holt as well as relay specialists Tim Brang, Felix Hofmann and Julia Henning. The Gebhardt siblings, Max and Alicia, are well known for their technical finesse. 

Visit the German team announcement on the German Life Saving Association.

Great Britain

Hungary

Hungary’s roster features high-calibre competitors like Gabor Balong and Szebasztian Szabo, whose speed and control in pool events will make them podium contenders. Richard Bohus and Kristztian Takacs add veteran mastery to the mix. 

Italy

Italy’s strength lies in its depth across individual and relay events. Simone Locchi, Davide Cremonini, and Francesco Ippolito lead the men’s efforts, while Lucrezia Fabretti and the Pasquino sisters, Valentina and Francesca, headline a skilled women’s squad. 

Japan

Japan’s pool specialists include Daichi Inomata, Kota Sekiguchi, and Shun Nishiyama, known for their precision and technical expertise. Yurika Mitsui and Yui Yamada round out a disciplined and promising women’s team.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s pool team features Fergus Eadie and Madison Kidd, both experienced in international lifesaving competition, along with Zoe Crawford adding depth in individual events.

Poland

Poland’s team boasts strong pool lifesaving athletes like Kacper Majchrzak, Adam Dubiel, and AleksandraCieplak. Technical strength and relay potential define this confident group.

Spain

Spain brings a skilled pool delegation including Carlos Coronado Tejeda, Marco Plazuelo Jimenez, and Javier Perez Sanchez. Maria Rodriguez Sierra and Nuria Pauola Anglada strengthen the women’s lineup.

Netherlands

Solo representative Roelof Stoetzer will carry the Dutch flag in pool lifesaving, bringing sharp technique and mental resilience to the fin events.