Underwater wrestling regime behind Picklum’s title tilt

“You’ll cop a combination of things going on for 10 or 20 seconds – whatever is safe, but pushing you to your limit. Then you come up, take one breath and go straight back under to do it again.

“By then, you’re absolutely gassed. But then it’s come up, take another breath and go back down, and he’s got you in a headlock, or put you in a pretzel position.

“They’re obviously a lot stronger than me and for sure it’s uncomfortable. But it’s what happens underwater, right? You get slammed, your body gets twisted into awkward positions you actually couldn’t physically manage on land. And you’re trying to stay calm through all of it.

“I think it might actually help me more in day-to-day life than as an athlete. Just taking five breaths and just taking a moment to centre yourself and approach any situation in life, it’s a very handy lesson.”

Picklum returns to the scene of last year’s runners-up finish to fellow Olympic representative Tyler Wright. Both surfers were left in fits of giggles after a 2023 final filled with sledging and “smack talk”.

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“Tyler lets me jump under her wing and takes care of me, so she’s my mum on tour,” Picklum says. “So last year my chat out there was, ‘Oh, mum’s showing me how it’s done, hey?’ And she did, it’d be an honour to surf a final with her again and tell her the next gen’s coming through.”

Wearing the world No.1’s yellow jersey once more, Picklum’s talent is undeniable. So, too, the clamour for her time and attention.

For perspective, Picklum has already featured in commentary stints during WSL broadcasts this season, well-spoken and insightful as she does so. Where else in the sporting world would a 21-year-old athlete have this on their resume?

But a disappointing quarter-final finish in Portugal after being run down and knocked around by flu in the lead-up served as a reminder of where her time matters most.

“I’m trying to slow down a lot more this year, it’s just a big balancing act”, she says. “I just go at a slower pace and take the pressure off trying to nail everything, whether it’s surfing or my commitments. It’s a busy time sure, but when it’s time to surf, that’s my focus and those moments in the water are why it’s all happening. It’s a privilege to have this support for me and what I love doing.”