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Mark wins gold at Euro championship

From the archive, first published Thursday 2nd Oct 2003.

CORNISH sport received another welcome boost on the international scene with the news that an 18-year-old surfer from Portreath has taken on - and - beaten the best in Europe.

Mark Lewarne, who comes from Redruth, was competing for Great Britain in the European Championship at Viareggio near Pisa in Italy when he turned in a magnificent performance to return to the Duchy as a double gold medallist.

Just to be selected for the Great Britain squad was a big enough achievement for Mark, but to cover himself in glory with gold medals was beyond even his wildest expectations. The five-day trip with a three-day competition certainly left a big impression on Mark who made the trip with other Portreath surfers Rachel Pascoe and John Harris who travelled as a reserve.

"It was an amazing competition," said Mark. "I wanted to do well, but I thought just to be in contention for a medal would be about the limit. To win was absolutely fantastic."

Mark's first medal came in the 100m beach sprint where his major competitors, two Germans, a Spaniard, and an Italian were left trailing in his dust.

"It was very emotional to receive the gold medal with the national anthem being played," said Mark. "It was a great occasion."

If he enjoyed that, there was more to come and this time it was his team-mates who were grateful for his Cornish grit and determination.

"We were competing in the team relay and I was running the anchor leg, When I received the baton we were behind the leading four, but one by one I overhauled them and with my team-mates going mad took out the four guys in front of me to pull off an amazing victory. They were all so ecstatic, everyone was mobbing each other."

Mark, who was a Redruth Community School pupil, is currently working at Big W, but he is hoping now that he has won gold for Great Britain he can attract sponsors to help further his career.

"I would like to thank Portreath Surf Life-saving Club for all their help and if there is anyone out there who can offer some level of support - however big or small - they can contact me on 01209 315610.

"But for the moment, it was a great trip representing Great Britain, a big honour, and to be standing on the podium was really special."

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