Injury replacement for New Zealand Black Fins

We are saddened to announce that Black Fin Murdoch Finch has been forced to withdraw from the 2018 Lifesaving World Championships this week in Adelaide due to a recent injury.

However, the team is pleased to announce that Kodi Harman (Papamoa SLSC) will fill the position and is already on his way to Adelaide to join the team ahead of the beach events.

Head Coach Jason Pocock said everyone is “absolutely gutted” to have Murdoch injured and unable to compete, but happy that Kodi [Harman] is able to join them as he’s already been part of the Black Fins landscape this year and will “fit straight in.”

“It is incredibly disappointing for Murdoch [Finch] because he has worked so hard for this. It is great to still have him around because he really is the ultimate team guy and I know he’ll still make a positive contribution to the team over the next few days.

“Obviously the whole team is absolutely gutted, but we know he’ll [Murdoch] still be a valuable asset to the team as he’ll be able to help motivate and support them for their events,” he said.

“In saying that, we are so lucky to have Kodi as he has been in the Black Fins environment before at the International Surf Rescue Challenge. He’s a talented athlete and we’re sure he’ll do a fantastic job,” Pocock added.

Suze Pirret, New Zealand Black Fins team physiotherapist said athletes health is the number one priority for the team, so the hard decision was made for Murdoch to withdraw.

“Murdoch sustained an adductor tear a few days ago, and due to the severity of the injury, Murdoch will not be able to recover in time. Therefore, the Black Fins medical team had to make the difficult decision to rule him out.”

The team now turns their focus to the first day of competition – the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) – taking place today.

To keep up-to-date with progress on the Lifesaving World Championships, visit the SLSNZ High Performance Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram - @SLSNZHP.

For more information, please contact:

Alana McIsaac, Media & Communications Manager
Phone 027 515 7157
Email media@surflifesaving.org.nz