1945 - 2024

Lifesaving is just one of the sports Bondi-born Kieran Speed has excelled at. While winning numerous titles for the Bondi Surf Club he also played rugby league for Bondi United with fellow club member and league legend John Peard. Later, he transferred to rugby union, playing more than 50 games for Easts and winning a first grade premiership in 1969.

Speed was awarded life membership of the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club in 1987 for his contribution to the sport and the club. He distinguished himself through competition and commitment to surf lifesaving’s values.

Speed grew up in Bondi, with the surf club playing a big role of his life since 1958. He has competed for the club in rescue and resuscitation, surf boats, surf teams, beach sprints, Stan MacDonald relays, surf races and at many NSW state and Australian titles.

His lifesaving victories include gold in the junior rescue and resuscitation at the Australia titles in 1963; silver in the open beach relay (over 45) at the Australian titles in 1987; gold in the open surf teams at the Australia titles in 1993; gold in the 1km beach run (over 70) at branch, state and Australian titles in 2017; silver in the 1km beach run (over 70) at the world lifesaving titles in 2018; and gold in the 1km beach run (over 70) at state and silver at the Australian titles in 2019.

Speed served as Bondi Surf Club vice-president in 1986-87 and has held many committee positions over the years. Always encouraging peak performance, he instituted the ‘Tama runs’ in the 1960s to increase club camaraderie and participation in fitness events. He was a driving force behind the annual veterans’ lunch, which honours and fosters continued connection with lifesaving.

Speed was part of the club relay team that ran from Sydney to Melbourne in 1970 over 13 days, carrying the batten from the start at Sydney Town Hall. Speed is also a member of the “Brems”, a group of swimmers who enjoy the best Bondi has to offer as the sun rises each morning. He is also a life member of Easts rugby union club.

Courtesy Bondi Surf Bathers Life saving club.