The Ironman and Ironwoman finalists have been decided for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, after they battled tricky conditions to secure their places.
Hometown hopeful Tiarnee Massie (Maroochydore), former champ Lana Rogers (Alexandra Headland) and Electra Outram (Noosa Heads) were among those to earned places in the 16-strong Ironwoman field.
Massie was overjoyed and relieved to make the final on her home beach.
“It feels really good and I’m super excited,” she said.
“That was my goal coming here. I dint have a really big expectations because I’m a first year opens competitor, so to make into that open Ironwoman final I’m really excited.
“There’s no words to explain … I’m so stoked.
“A year ago I never would have thought I’d be where I am today and I’m grateful for everyone who has been in my corner and helped me where get where.”
She said she’s benefited from competing at home.
“It’s feel relaxing because I have everything that I need. I’m sleeping in my own bed, my craft is just here and I don’t have to cart it around.”
It (making the final) felt like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can just relax and just enjoy the racing.
“I’m out here training every day so I knew the beach and it feels really good to be here.”
She said here experiences in the elite Ironwoman Series have helped her.
“The series is 100% the toughest iron racing you do so having that under my belt will definitely prepare me going into the final. Hopefully, I’ll have a good race.”
Among others to make the cut were reigning champion Georgia Miller (BMD Northcliffe) , Courtney Hancock (Surfers Paradise) and leading NSW athlete Lizzie Wellborn.
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Amid the Ironman, Cooper Williams (Alexandra Headland) and Hayden Cotter (Maroochydore) were Sunshine Coasters to claim spots in the final.
Among others were Nutri-Grain Ironman champ Ali Day (Surfers Paradise) wand former Nutri-Grain Ironman winner Matt Bevilaqua (BMD Northcliffe) and Matt Poole (BMD Northcliffe).
The iron finals will be held on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the open men’s 2km beach run, Wanda’s Ali Najem claimed his third Australian title.
As an Australian Muslim the 26-year-old has the holy month of Ramadam and was fasting in the lead-up to the event.
IRONMAN FINAL START LIST (Sunshine Coast competitors in bold)
1. Wes Gould (Kurrawa); Matt Bevilacqua (BMD Northcliffe); 3. Jay Furniss (Cronulla); 4. Ali Day (Surfers Paradise); 5. Ben Carberry (Currumbin); 6. Cooper Williams (Alexandra Headland); 7. Hayden Cotter (Maroochydore); 8.Ky Kinsela (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park); 9. Jackson Borg (Newport); 10. Matt Poole (BMD Northcliffe); 11. Nathan Gray (Surfers Paradise); 12. Corey Fletcher (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park); 13. Max Beattie (Surfers Paradise); 14. Hayden White (Currumbin); 15. Daniel Barron (Mermaid Beach); 16. Jackson Maynard (Currumbin).
IRONWOMAN FINAL START LIST (Sunshine Coast competitors in bold).
1. Lizzie Welborn (Newport); 2. Tiarnee Massie (Maroochydore); 3. Lana Rogers (Alexandra Headland); 4. Georgia Miller (BMD Northcliffe); 5. Jemma Smith (Newport); 6. Danielle McKenzie (BMD Northcliffe); 7. Courtney Hancock (Surfers Paradise); 8. Electra Outram (Noosa Heads); 9. Emily Doyle (Newport); 10. Tara Coleman (Maroubra); 11. Brielle Cooper (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park); 12. Britney Pierce (Wanda); 13. Naomi Scott (Manly); 14. Madison Spencer (Newport); 15. Carla Papac (Wanda); 16. Lily Cracknell (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park).
