Reigning Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series champion Lana Rogers won’t rest on her laurels heading into a new campaign, suggesting last season is well behind her.
The 24-year-old, who recently switched from Noosa Heads to Alexandra Headland, is the dominant force in women’s surf lifesaving.
A 2018 Australian champion, she took her racing to the next level by winning the Coolangatta Gold and the Ironwoman Series last summer.
But she’s completely focused on the task at hand.
“I’m definitely moving on,” she said.
“That (success) was last season. I’ve got new goals now.”
Rogers is keeping it simple, ahead of the six-round series which will be televised live on free-to-air for the first time in eight years.
“I’m thinking about super basic goals and processes, not about the overall outcome,” she said.
That includes working on technical and tactical skills, like getting quicker through transition.
Rogers linked with an elite squad at Alexandra Headland a month ago, after several years at Noosa Heads. She continues to work with long-time coach Sharlene Kelly.
“So, I get the best of both worlds,” she said.
“I’m able to train with the boys, kind of in a race environment, and then work on my technical side of things and have the overall guidance of my coach Sharlene.”
“I think it was a positive move.”
Rogers said it was time for a change.
“Unfortunately, Sharlene did get let go during COVID and I still wanted to train under her and grow a bit more with what I could do better and that was definitely an option, to (also) go to Alex and train with the boys and chase them.”
Love sport? Get it direct to your inbox by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
The Ironwoman and Ironman Series was due to start with Rounds 1 and 2 at Kingscliff on December 19-20 but it has been postponed “due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Sydney Northern Beaches region and the current public health alerts in place.”
Sunshine Coasters involved are Maroochydore’s Tiarnee Massie, Noosa Heads’ Electra Outram and the Alexandra Headland contingent of Rogers, Tiarrn Raymond, Emma Woods Tayla Halliday and Cooper Williams. Woods was especially delighted to earn a berth in the 20-strong women’s field.
Sunshine Coast product Maddy Dunn will again compete for BMD Northdcliffe.
