Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Cate Clingeleffer has been named Athlete of the Year at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Tasmania Awards of Excellence, recognising another strong season of competition at both state and national level.

“It was super cool. I looked through all the nominations and it's a solid field and everyone competes really well,” Clingeleffer said. “I’m really privileged to have it again this year.”

One of the highlights of Clingeleffer’s season came alongside her Clifton Beach teammates at the State Titles, where the club claimed both the handicap and overall titles.

“That was the highlight. I think every year it gets more and more competitive, so it was good to take another win with the team with Clifton.”

Clingeleffer also tested herself against some of the country’s best competitors at the Australian Championships, competing in the open age group.

While the level of competition saw her progress through only a couple of rounds in some events, Clingeleffer said the experience was invaluable.

“I knew it was going to be super, super difficult. You’re competing against anyone and everyone, including all the professionals,” she said.

“But it was a super cool experience. You don't get that level of competition down here in Tasmania, so it was really good.”

The experience also provided an opportunity to learn from competing in conditions that differed significantly from those she typically encounters in Tasmania.

“The conditions as well are so different to the beach conditions that we get here,” Clingeleffer said.

“You have all this swell moving everywhere. You have the sweep. It's super different. But then again, it's great for experience. You come back home and you can dial in on those little things that you learnt.”

With study also taking up more of her time, Clingeleffer said she plans to keep her competition more local in the season ahead, focusing on enjoying the sport without putting too much pressure on herself.

“I definitely haven't been training as much with a little bit of study happening at the same time,” she said.

“So I'm happy just to keep it at a local level and focus on the events that happen here and there, just to keep it cruisy, not too much pressure.”

The win secured Clingeleffer a nomination at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence for Athlete of the Year.

We wish Cate the best of luck in the category. The award winners will be announced on Saturday 7 November 2026.