Samuel Booysen: The Fastest Man on Clifton’s Sand
At just 19 years old, Samuel Booysen has already etched his name into lifesaving history. From humble beginnings as a teenager at Monwabisi Lifeasaving Club discovering the sport to becoming a Junior World Champion in Flags and clinching bronze in the Open Beach Sprints at the 2024 World Championships, his journey is a testament to hard work, faith, and an unstoppable drive.
A Sand Sprinting Spark
Booysen’s introduction to lifesaving came at the age of 13 while living in Monwabisi, thanks to a swimming coach, Coach Christopher van Niekerk from Khaya Acquatics who spotted his potential. But it wasn’t the water that first caught his attention—it was the thrill of the beach events.
“What drew me to the sport was the flags and sprints on the sand,” he recalls. That initial spark ignited a passion that quickly evolved into a decorated career. Sam quickly drew attention on the beach as a young Nipper and was selected for the Western Cape Lifesaving Team, earning his first provincial Lifesaving cap (and certainly not his last).
After completing his Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) at Strand Lifesaving Club, Samuel joined Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club, where he became a vital part of the youth teams and led the charge in beach events. The often-quiet athlete quickly made friends and inspired teammates through his actions on and off the sand. His work ethic and quiet determination became the backbone of the club’s beach contingent.
Making His Mark on the World Stage
Sam’s big breakthrough came on the global stage when, at his first-ever World Championships in 2022, Booysen pulled off the unimaginable—winning gold in the Junior Flags event while representing South Africa in the iconic green and gold.
“That moment was everything to me,” he says, reflecting on his historic win. “I was happy, emotional—it was overwhelming. Coming home to my family, friends, and community was incredibly special.”
Special doesn’t even begin to describe the reception waiting for him back home. When he returned from the Lifesaving World Championships in Italy, his local community in Elsies River held a street parade in his honour. Standing out of the roof of a car, Samuel was greeted by cheering crowds—a true hero’s welcome.
For those watching from Clifton, the emotional weight of the moment was undeniable. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the club when we saw the video of his homecoming,” one member recalls.
Booysen’s gold medal in Junior Flags at the 2022 World Championships was a defining moment—not just for him, but for South African lifesaving. It announced his arrival on the international stage and proved that a young athlete from Cape Town could stand atop the world.
“It gave me the belief that I could compete with the best,” he reflects. That belief has fuelled his relentless drive to push even further in the sport.
The Iconic Double Double
In 2023, Booysen achieved one of the rarest feats in lifesaving sport—a double victory in both the Youth and Open Flags and Beach Sprints at the Lifesaving South Africa Championships.
“Winning both Flags and Sprints across two age divisions in the same championship was unbelievable,” he says. “It took everything I had, and knowing how rare it is made it even more special.”
Only a handful of athletes have ever pulled off this double double, placing Samuel in elite company. That performance at the national championships solidified his reputation as South Africa’s dominant beach sprinter and flagger.
Stepping Up to the Open Stage
Fast forward to 2024, and having earned selection once again for the national team, Samuel not only secured his second cap for South Africa but also his first as a senior athlete at the Africa Lifesaving Championships.
Later that year, he made the leap to the Open division at the 2024 World Championships. Many young athletes struggle with the transition, but Booysen met the challenge head-on—sprinting to a bronze medal in the fiercely contested Open Beach Sprints.
“Open competition is on another level,” he says. “Winning bronze was huge for me—it’s been tough but exciting.”
A few days after claiming bronze, Samuel backed it up with a narrow 4th-place finish in the Open Men’s Interclubs Beach Sprint final and another 4th-place finish in the Open Men’s Beach Relay final. In a large field and after several rounds of sprinting, it was truly inspiring to see Samuel deliver yet another almost-medal-winning performance—this time proudly wearing the club colours of Clifton. While the higher stakes brought added pressure, Booysen embraced the challenge. “I felt both pressure and excitement. Racing with the open men pushed me to be better, and I learned a lot.”
The Formula for Success
Booysen’s rise to the top hasn’t come easy. His daily routine is a demanding balance of gym sessions, track work, and managing his studies and work commitments.
“It takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work—training no matter what happens,” he explains. His faith is also a crucial motivator. “I pray a lot—that keeps me going. I also stay positive and encourage my teammates.”
Consistency has also been a big part of Sam’s story, as a regular member of the Lifesaving Western Cape Team, Sam has gone on to earn multiple caps as both a Junior and Open team member. Giving him the great opportunity to partner with fantastic athletes from across the Western Cape and repeatedly bring home the Surf interprovincials trophy!
While beach sprints are his speciality, Booysen is no stranger to the pool. His background in swimming has made him a versatile lifesaver, ready to step up in stillwater relays when his team needs him.
“Stillwater is exciting—it’s something different, and it’s good helping out with relays,” he says, highlighting the value of being an all-around competitor.
Guided by Mentors, Driven by Purpose
Behind Booysen’s success is a team of dedicated coaches and mentors who have shaped his journey. From his first athletics coach to mentors like Coach Bennie, Coach Adie, and Coach Jonty, he credits their guidance—and the unwavering support of his parents—as the foundation of his growth.
Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club, too, has played a significant role. “They’ve helped me throughout my journey, especially in getting the opportunity to compete overseas,” he acknowledges.
But for Booysen, lifesaving is about more than just medals. “It’s about teamwork and helping others—that’s what makes it special.”
Eyes on Morocco 2026
With the next World Championships in Morocco on the horizon, Booysen is already setting ambitious goals. “I want to come back stronger with a clean and positive mindset,” he says, his focus locked on delivering even bigger performances.
And as he chases his next world title, he’s determined to inspire the next generation of lifesavers. “I want young athletes to know—never give up, push through, train hard, and always put God first,” he says passionately.
His advice for those dreaming of the world stage? “Believe in yourself when no one else does. Stay positive, eat well, and trust the process.”
A Place Where Champions Are Made
Samuel Booysen’s story is just one chapter in Clifton’s long tradition of producing exceptional athletes. It’s a place where quiet determination meets fierce competition, and where every athlete—whether a Nipper or a World Champion—is encouraged to chase their potential.
From the first sprint across the sand to the world stage, Clifton has become a home where young athletes are inspired to dream big, work hard, and lift those around them. With role models like Booysen leading the way, the next generation of lifesavers is already gearing up to follow in his lightning-fast footsteps.
And if Samuel’s journey proves anything, it’s this—on Clifton’s sand, anything is possible.