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Score a hot core with Sally Fitzgibbons

Life’s not exactly a beach for Sally Fitzgibbons. The pro surfer and entrepreneur works hard, trains hard and competes hard.

See Sally's carefree smile in one of her many sponsorship campaigns and you’d think she spends all her days frolicking on the beach. See the 24-year-old in competition, though, and you’ll realise that this world champion’s life is anything but breezy.

We got the lowdown on what her training and diet involves and how she keeps a relationship with footy player Trent Merrin as strong as that core of hers.

Why do you love surfing?
You’ve got an infinite amount of things to work on. And it’s got a spiritual feel. You feel the energy from wind changes, storms rolling in. I was sitting out there half an hour ago and I thought about how just the other day I was surfing in front of 50,000 screaming people. There were commentators and blimps. Today there wasn’t one person on the beach, but a pod of 20 dolphins cruised past, 10 metres away from me.

Related: Take your training outside

Does getting in the water ever feel like a chore?
There are days where it takes all my willpower. Sometimes it’ll be stormy and the waves are messy. There are two sides of the brain; one is sort of going, ‘Is this really happening?’ but the other is saying, ‘You never regret a surf.’”

Tell us about your training?
I’m in the water two- to-three hours a day on average, then fit in about four hours of land training. When I’m travelling, I use my training to stabilise myself around the world. The one thing in my day that’s alwaysa constant is exercising.”

And what do you eat?
I travel so much, so I eat what the locals are eating. I have meat and eggs for protein and try to have plenty of colour looking back at me. I love rye bread. My favourite foods are avocado, grapes, any really slow-cooked meat, and soup – chicken with whatever vegies are in the fridge. Being lactose intolerant, I avoid dairy. I’ve never drunk alcohol, so I could get up for the early surf.”

Related: How alcohol affects your body

With your busy schedule, how do you maintain your relationship?
“After Trent and I met a couple of years ago, we just had a great understanding that we’re both in busy times of our lives. Being an athlete, I have to focus a lot on myself – my body and fitness– but I’ve never been more worried than when I see him run out onto the field. I get super-nervous, I know how hard he’s been training and I just want him to be safe. But it’s so rewarding to go on a journey together, and he’s so supportive – as I am of his career and when I’m away, there’s Skype.

To read more and try Sally's high-intensity workout, grab a copy of our November issue, on sale now.

Related: Inside our November issue