Nikki Watt , an Australian spearfishing champion, is literally an international sensation. The 36-year-old from Tweed Heads started spearfishing as a child in far north Queensland. Growing up, she listened to stories of divers landing billfish such as the marlin. She thought it was impossible once. Gradually, her love matured into competing at a professional level.
Watt cultivated a reputation across national spearfishing as a fierce competitor. She pushed herself to the limits time and again while still managing to be the mother she desired to be. She and her partner, who was also a spearfisher, often went to competitions together. Yet her legions of foes in the water paled in comparison to the one that ailed her in a bout.
Australian spearfishing champion Nikki Watt makes global waves with record-breaking marlin catch
How Did Nikki Watt Overcome Cancer?
In October 2024, Watt found a lump in her breast. Two weeks before her wedding, she postponed seeking a diagnosis until after the ceremony. Then, two months later, Watt received the dire news—breast cancer. The very next day, while still reeling from shock, she underwent a mastectomy. Thereafter, chemotherapy commenced.
The original plan: six months of treatment. After beginning chemotherapy, Watt’s side effects were lagging behind expectations, so they delayed treatment. Then, testing confirmed a low risk for progression; the doctors agreed she could stop chemotherapy ahead of schedule. With therapy, Watt relearned loading her speargun, helped by the rehabilitation specialist, as she feared she would lose this ability without the pectoral muscle. She showed tremendous resilience when she realised that she could indeed adapt.
Her recovery inspired many members of the diving community. She said it gave her perspective on life. She wanted to get back into the ocean as soon as possible.
What Is Her Record-Breaking Spearfishing Feat?
Watt speared a striped marlin weighing 162.5 kg in a record-breaking spearfishing event in 2025 off Eden, New South Wales. It was a historic catch since it set the Australian record of the largest striped marlin speared, as well as the world’s largest marlin ever speared by a woman.
For Watt and her family, the moment was filled with emotion. Ever since the fish was weighed, they had cried onshore. It beat the previous Australian record by 22 kg. For Watt, it was a matter of survival as well as victory. That is her proudest moment.
She Became The First Woman To Achieve A Super Slam
Watt was one of the very few divers to achieve such a feat. The Super Slam is recognised by the International Underwater Spearfishing Association, which includes spearing all four billfish species – black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and striped marlin.
Previously, Watt had set the women’s record in black marlin, sailfish and blue marlin, respectively. The striped marlin was the last to complete her set. Since then, Watt has been praised as the first woman ever to complete the Super Slam. It is one of the highest awards recognised in global spearfishing.
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The Catch Weighed 162.5 Kg
The official weight of Watt’s marlin was 162.5 kg. The record was verified by witnesses at the Eden ramp. This landmark fish was shared among the family on-site, and the rest were taken home for dinner. Her daughter, Blair, was there celebrating with her. Watt said Blair felt how important this moment was for her.
Nikki Watt’s spearfishing record is now recognised as one of the most extraordinary landmarks in the sport. It speaks of endurance, skill, and more generally, dedication to ocean sport.
She Is Preparing For Future Adventures
Currently, Watt remains cancer-free and back in the water. Later this year, she heads for Brazil, where she will be joining her partner Bryson, who is representing Australia at the Spearfishing World Championships. Bryson called her achievement “an amazing comeback” and said it redefines what is possible, especially after serious illness.
For Watt, the record is not simply about competition-they’re just two goals to achieve some small measure of healing from the life-altering experience of battling cancer. She believes that her story serves as an inspiration for others. She is not rushing to spear another marlin but has expressed openness toward new adventures in the future; after all, the ocean always has another special fish waiting.
Her record has drawn Australia to the world spearfishing spotlight, as it showed the world that persistence and guts can rewrite sporting history.
Also Read: Coogee Beach Dead Fish Incident: Authorities Investigate Cause
FAQs
Q1:Who is the Australian spearfishing champion?
A: Nikki Watt, a 36-year-old diver from Tweed Heads, celebrated for her extraordinary achievements.
Q2:What is the Nikki Watt spearfishing record?
A: A 162.5-kg striped marlin – the heaviest marlin speared both in Australian waters and by any woman worldwide.
Q3:What makes it a record-breaking spearfishing feat?
A: It broke the Australian open marlin record by 22kg and did the seldom completed Super Slam.
Q4:How did Watt succeed after cancer?
A: Through surgery, rehabilitation and resilience, she adapted and returned to competitive spearfishing.
