07/10/2026
🇿🇦 | Built by Purpose. Ready to Represent. | Sasha Hemmens
For Sasha Hemmens of uMhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club, returning to the green and gold is about rediscovering just how much representing South Africa means to her.
Formerly known as Sasha Corris in the lifesaving community, this will be her fourth World Championships team, 11th lifesaving cap and 25th time representing South Africa across lifesaving and swimming. She has also had the privilege of captaining the South African lifesaving team on three occasions.
After taking three years away from international racing to get married and immigrate to America, Sasha returns with a renewed determination - and the opportunity to compete at home makes this chapter even more special.
“Spending that much time on the sidelines gave me a level of determination and hunger that I never knew was possible. It made me appreciate just how much I love competing and representing my country.”
A nine-time South African and two-time American Surf Swim Champion, Sasha is also the current South African and American Ironwoman Champion. After eight months of international racing, she heads into ready to test herself against the world’s best.
And this time, she’ll share the experience with her husband Hayden, who has earned his first South African selection - a goal they set together when they returned to racing.
For Sasha, this World Championships is about gratitude, determination and seeing just how far she can push herself once again. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” - Hebrews 12:1
They are competitors. They are volunteers. They are lifesavers. They are role models.
Built by Purpose. Ready to Represent. 🇿🇦 International Life Saving Federation (ILS)
