Layne Beachley

Seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley is the most successful female surfer of all time holding the greatest number of consecutive world titles - male or female in the sport of surfing.  From athlete to entrepreneur, Layne Beachley's mission is to now share the experiences that made her a champion..... to provide opportunities for young women in sport, to inspire others to follow their dreams and to achieve their personal best.

Born in 1972 and given up for adoption by her 17-year-old mother, Layne lost her adoptive mother when she was just six. At age seven, upon discovering she had been adopted, Layne decided she was going to prove her worth by being the best in the world at something...... it wasn't long before that something became surfing.

As a 16 year old, Layne made her debut on the ASP Women's World Tour and by 20, was ranked 6th in the world.  Winning her first event in 1993, Layne's fierce commitment to success came at a price. In 1993 and 1996, she faced the mental, physical and emotional challenges of chronic fatigue syndrome, which also lead to depression. The mental toughness required to overcome such adversity became the driver for achieving the goal she set herself at 7 - to become a world champion.

In 1998, Layne achieved the first of 6 consecutive world titles. A rare feat in any sport, Layne's domination of women's surfing has earned her a place in sporting history, having won an unprecedented seven world titles.

In 2006 Layne staged the richest women's stand alone surfing event  - The Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic. The CBABC continues to build enormous success, priding itself as being one of the most prestigious and enjoyable events on the ASP Women's World Tour.

Having spent two decades breaking down barriers in her chosen sport, Layne has committed herself to a professional career in motivation and business development. Media savvy, well presented and entertaining, Layne features regularly in the media for her quick wit and insight. Her 15 year commitment as the only female member of the ASP board has created the platform for her current position as the Chair of the Premier's Council for Active Living and a Board Member for Surfing Australia.

In addition to her surfing and business commitments, in 2003 Layne created the Aim for the Stars Foundation to support and promote the academic, sporting, community and cultural pursuits of young women across Australia.  To date the foundation has provided well over $300,000 worth of grants to more than 170 deserving recipients that continue to live by the foundations motto: Dare to Dream, Pursue your Passion, Aspire to Achieve.

Recently retired from competitive surfing, Layne focuses her time on business development, Aim For The Stars Foundation, The Beachley Classic and ongoing roles as ambassador and presenter on a national and international basis.

Fuelled by three pillars:  Drive, Desire and Determination,  Layne's positive attitude and hard work ethic is a reflection that there are no boundaries when it comes to realizing one's potential.

Achievements
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2006 ? Women's ASP World Champion
2000, 2002, 2003 - NSW Sportsperson of the Year
2001 - ESPN Surfer of the year
2002 - Runner-Up Australian Sports Star of the Year
2003 - Australian Female Athlete of the Year
2004 - Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson
2004 - Australia?s 50 Most Beautiful Exports honours list
2005 - USA Teen Choice Awards Extreme Female Athlete of the Year
2006 - Surfing Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 - USA Surfers Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 - USA Surfers Walk of Fame Inductee
2008 - Australian Hall of Fame Inductee
2009 - Finalist NSW Woman of the Year
2009 - Instyle Women of Style Award for Charity/Community