For Canadian lifesaver Izzy Speiran, selection for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 represents the culmination of two years of hard work and growth.
After competing at LWC2024 as part of Canada’s youth team, Speiran has made the transition into the open division and is now ready to take on the world’s best. Her journey into surf lifesaving began in an unexpected way, on the shores of Lake Huron, Ontario, where she initially took up the sport to improve her fitness for tennis.
Two years later, the racket has been put down and surf lifesaving has become her focus. With a training schedule packed with board, swim, iron, running and stretching sessions, as well as five sprint kayak sessions each week, Speiran is leaving no stone unturned ahead of LWC2026.
She will compete across the surf craft events and in the 50m Manikin Carry in the pool, with the mixed Taplin Relay among the events she is most looking forward to.
We caught up with Izzy to find out more about her lifesaving journey, preparation and ambitions for LWC2026.
What does being selected for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 mean to you personally?
It means the world to me to be selected for LWC2026 this year! Personally, my selection reflects all the hard work I’ve put in since LWC2024 and my growth from a youth athlete to an open athlete. I’m so excited to represent Canada and make Canada lifesaving proud!
Can you share a bit about your background in lifesaving and how you first got involved in the sport?
My lifesaving journey began in Lake Huron, Ontario, as a way to improve my fitness for tennis over the summer. I dropped the racket just two years ago and it’s been all surf lifesaving ever since.
Who has had the biggest influence on your lifesaving career, and in what way?
My biggest influences in lifesaving have been my Canadian idols who now mentor me, including the national team coaches and my teammate Jacob Miess.
Can you give us an insight into your preparation or training leading into Worlds? What does a typical week look like for you?
Training is my life! This summer I started sprint kayak, making up about five sessions a week for me. Depending on the week, I have four to five board sessions, two to three swim sessions, and two iron-focused sessions. Plus running and stretching!
Which events will you be competing in, and what are you most looking forward to?
I will be competing in all craft events on the surf side and the 50m Manikin Carry on the pool side. I’m stoked to be in most of the relays at Worlds, but I’m most excited for the mixed Taplin Relay.
What are your expectations for the competition?
My expectation for LWC is to experience tough competition, especially since it’s my first year in the open division. My goal is to achieve as many points as possible for Team Canada, especially through my individual surf events.
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about you, either as an athlete or outside the sport?
One thing I want people to know about me is that I am a midwifery student! I’ve taken off the past year to focus on training before Worlds, but I am looking forward to returning to clinical practice rotations in January.
The Lifesaving World Championships 2026 will be held in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay from 25 November 2026. For event updates, visit the website and follow @ilsf_org on social media for behind‑the‑scenes access, athlete profiles, event highlights, and more.