Upon seeing Macy Callahgan surf for the first time in 2014, it was evident that this young lady was a star on the rise.

It was immediately apparent that Callaghan feared no one in the water and set about tactically dismantling her opposition bit by bit, and at this point it was easy to be in awe of her natural talent.

Macy comes from a good supportive family, something crucial for an athlete these days, specially in a sport which has consistent travel. To talk to this young woman you find her polite, respectful and well grounded.

Callaghan however does most of her talking in the water, although shouting is probably a more accurate statement.

The finish of the 2016 WQS Tour, saw her finish just outside the qualification mark for the elite WCT Tour but you can’t help to think this was a good thing.

Another year on the WQS Tour will allow her to refine the skills needed to compete at the elite level. Another year will see her body get stronger and her mental game will go to the next level.

The WCT Tour is a tough place, lose a heat or two and the mind games can easily begin.

2017 has seen Callaghan storming through the early WQS 1000 events with two wins and a second but it is the WQS 6000 events that she will need to make her mark.

A strong finish at the Anditi Womens Pro in Newcastle was followed by an early exit at the Australian Open of Surfing in Manly.

The early exit at Manly could easily be due to battled fatigue, after grinding out multiple events in a few months.

It’s time the world body of surfing, the WSL give Callaghan a wild card into WCT events. I’m not knocking the likes of Bethany Hamilton getting a wild card or two but it’s time for the WSL to invest in the future, the surfers who are ready and this is Macy to a tee.

I’m excited to continue following the Callaghan journey, a diamond that has been finely polished and is ready to shine.