Layne Beachl e y : w e o r i p n g m wom E
en th rough positivity
Layne Beachley AO has achieved success in ways many of us could only dream. Beginning her surfing career at just 16, Layne progressed through the pro circuit to claim six consecutive world titles between 1998 and 2003, then another in 2006. Incredibly, Layne returned to surfing after a 10year retirement to claim a masters world title in 2018 as the first female winner of the WSL World Masters Championship. The first years of her surfing career were tough, struggling financially and becoming increasingly exhausted from working long hours and fitting in her much-loved sport. She found herself in prolonged periods of self-doubt, culminating in depression and chronic fatigue. This testing time of her life became a pivotal point from which to learn and grow. Inspired by her own journey, Layne set up her foundation Aim for the Stars, where she has provided financial 6
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support and mentoring to young women to help them achieve their dreams. Over the 15-year lifetime of the program, over 500 girls have been given the opportunity to reach their goals and make a positive impact on their communities. The program ended this year with five supercharged grants to worthy nominees, totalling almost $1M in grants. In 2015, Layne was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for her unwavering support for a range of charities, for her dedication as a leading women’s mentor, and for her surfing success. Also, that year Layne was appointed Chairperson of Surfing Australia, becoming the first former female World Champion of any sport to take on the role of Chairperson in a national sporting organisation. In her spare time, she is a proud ambassador or Planet Ark, R U OK? And the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation. Through all of her inspirational
