Hancock set for emotional ‘Gold’ tribute

COURTNEY Hancock says she has always done well to bottle up her emotions before a race, but the two-time Coolangatta Gold champion knows that will be tough on Sunday.

Competitors will raise their paddles and observe a minute’s silence to honour the late Dean Mercer, whose death from a heart attack in August rocked the surf lifesaving world.

They will also wear black arm bands emblazoned with “Doing it for Dean”, while brother and 1992 champion Darren will start the race.

Hancock, who admits crying at romantic comedy films, says the tribute will hit home with the 741 short and long distance competitors.

“There were a few tears when I won last year; the sacrifices that you go through make it so emotional,” Hancock said.

“We were all struggling through our training when the news about Dean came and I just thought: ‘why I am complaining?’ “I’m out here doing something he loved and I think he’s been here to help us all get through this last month.”

Darren Mercer said competitors would do well to take a leaf out of his brother’s book in Sunday’s 41.8km multi-discipline beach epic. “I know he’s touched their careers because he’s hurt them in training,” Mercer said. “You know he trained at 100 per cent and there’s no easing up and (in the race) you’ve got to keep pushing it and go for it.

“The race meant so much to Dean and I know he’d be proud of what they’ve put in place for him.”

Hancock is confident of a third title but admits nerves have hit hard this week. “The unwritten rule is not to speak about it while you train, so now you do get a few nerves when you look at the beach, the finish line and start line,” she said.

Hancock expects pressure from training partner Maddy Dunn while, in the men’s event, Shannon Eckstein says he has recovered from double calf surgery and will challenge fourtime champion Ali Day.

The long-course event features a 23km ski, 2.1km run, 3.5km swim, 6.1km board and 7.1km run between Coolangatta and Broadbeach.