Layne Beachley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Layne Beachley |
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Beachley in August 2011
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| Personal information | |
| Born | Tania Maris Gardner 24 May 1972 Manly, New South Wales, Australia |
| Residence | Manly, New South Wales, Australia |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Surfing career | |
| Major achievements |
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| Surfing specifications | |
| Stance | Regular (natural foot) |
Layne Beachley is an amazing Australian surfer who became a world champion seven times! She was born on May 24, 1972, in Manly, New South Wales. Layne is known as one of the greatest surfers of all time. After her incredible career, she became the chair of Surfing Australia, helping to guide the sport in her home country.
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Layne Beachley's Surfing Journey
Layne Beachley started her professional surfing career when she was just 16 years old. By the time she was 20, she was already ranked among the top surfers in the world!
Becoming a World Champion
Layne made history by winning the Women's ASP World Champion title seven times. She won in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and again in 2006. She was the first woman ever to win seven World Championships. She also holds the record for winning six world titles in a row, which is an incredible achievement for any surfer, male or female! She shared the record for most women's World Championships with Stephanie Gilmore until Stephanie won her eighth title in 2022.
In 2004, Layne even got a special chance to compete in a men's surfing event called the Energy Australia Open in Newcastle, New South Wales. It's very rare for a woman to compete in a men's surfing competition!
Retirement from Surfing
Layne Beachley announced her retirement from professional surfing on October 10, 2008. She had an amazing career filled with many wins and records.
Movies and TV Shows
Layne has appeared in several movies about surfing, including Blue Crush (2002), Billabong Odyssey (2003), and Step into Liquid (2003). She was also in a 2001 documentary called 7 Girls.
You might have heard her voice on TV too! She narrates a show called Beach Cops. She also voiced a character called "Surfer" in an episode of the popular Australian children's cartoon Bluey.
Layne's Life Outside Surfing
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Layne Beachley was born in Sydney on May 24, 1972. She was adopted by Neil and Valerie Beachley, who lived in Manly. Sadly, when Layne was only six years old, her adoptive mother Valerie passed away. Layne and her brother were then raised by her father, Neil.
Layne has shared that she faced some personal challenges growing up. In 1999, when she was 27, she met her biological mother for the first time.
Growing Up in Manly
Layne grew up in the competitive surfing scene of Manly. By the age of 15, she was already competing and winning against boys! This helped her develop her strong surfing style, which led to her future success as a world champion. Layne has always been keen to support good causes, whether it's protecting the environment or helping charities.
Family Life
Layne Beachley married Kirk Pengilly in October 2010. Kirk is a member of the famous Australian rock band INXS. They first met in 2002. They even renewed their wedding vows in 2014 after Layne lost her wedding ring while surfing! Layne is also a stepmother to April, Kirk's daughter.
Layne is a big fan of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles rugby league team.
Awards and Recognition
Layne Beachley has received many awards for her amazing achievements.
- In 2004, she won the Laureus World Sports Award for Action Sportsperson of the Year.
- In 2005, she was named the Extreme Female Athlete of the Year at the Teen Choice Awards.
- She was inducted into both the Australian and US surfing halls of fame in 2006.
- In 2011, she was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
- In 2006, she was also honored at the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California, as that year's Woman of the Year.
In 2015, Layne was given a very special award called Officer of the Order of Australia. This award recognized her great service to the community. She was honored for supporting many charities, being a mentor for women in sports, and for her incredible career as a world champion surfer. She also received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for her back-to-back world titles in 1998 and 1999.
See also
In Spanish: Layne Beachley para niños
