Clifton Beach SLSC’s Rita Schofield wins SLST Youth Athlete of the Year

Thursday 08 October 2026

Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Rita Schofield has been awarded Youth Athlete of the Year at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Tasmania Awards of Excellence. 

This award serves as recognition for a breakout year that saw her claim state titles, produce podium results and deliver a standout performance on the national stage.

Reflecting on her standout year, Schofield credits her hard work behind the scenes for her performance on the beach. 

“I’m really proud. There is a lot of hard work behind the achievements and lots of awesome competitions.”

Schofield said the state titles were an incredible experience, recalling the energy that ran along the beach.

“State titles were really incredible. It was awesome, with a big swell down at Carlton Beach and everyone’s energy was up.”

However, the true highlight of the year for the young athlete was the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships or ‘Aussies’ , where she competed in the same waves as some of her idols and the next generation of athletes.

“Aussies was my big highlight. I gave it my best crack, and whilst I wasn't recognised as a finalist, it was still an amazing experience competing with 16 of the best paddlers in the country.

“It’s an amazing environment to be in. It’s all of the idols of surf sports in this one place,” she said. 

“The waves were amazing. There are so many people down on the beach. It makes you feel like you’re part of the next generation of amazing athletes.”

Schofield is already looking ahead to next season, with a return to Aussies firmly in her sights. 

The award has also earned Schofield a nomination for Youth Athlete of the Year at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence. We wish her the best of luck with winners set to be announced on Saturday 7 November 2026.