Eckstein defies the pain

Ironman determined to compete despite injury

SHANNON Eckstein is set to defy the risk of further injury and compete on a rolled ankle as he chases a record 10th Nutri-Grain series title.

Eckstein tore a ligament after rolling his ankle while running into the surf during a training session last weekend.

The rupture to his anterior talofibular ligament has affected Eckstein’s ability to run and kick during the swim leg and would ordinarily keep him out of action.

But after lacklustre results in the opening two rounds of the series, Eckstein is set to defy the pain and compete in a bid to get his campaign for a 10th title back on track.

Athletes can drop a worst result in the six-round series and Eckstein needs to replace an eighth placing from Round 2 if he is to challenge for what already seems an unlikely overall victory given he sits 59 points behind leader Ali Day.

“If I want to win the series, I need to at least try to race,” Eckstein said. “The worst thing that can happen is that I pull out and don’t finish.

“But it’s an individual sport, so that doesn’t matter too much. I’ve only got myself to let down, so I’m not too fussed about that.”

Eckstein has delayed his travel to Wollongong until Saturday so he can receive as much treatment as possible before the weekend.

“Hopefully it doesn’t blow up on the plane and I’m able to race on Sunday,” he said.

“The only danger with racing is if I roll it again, there’s more damage you can do to a few ligaments where if you do snap them, you need an operation.” As of last night though, Eckstein intended to race.

“Once you get there on race day and you get pumped up, usually it responds pretty well and you forget about it until after the race,” he said.

“In 15 years straight I haven’t missed a Kellogg’s race. I missed an Aussies with a broken foot but I haven’t missed a Kellogg’s race, so I want to keep that run going.

“That (my run of podiums) is something I’d like to keep going as well. If I can’t win the series this year, I want to at least be on the podium.”

If he does line up though, Eckstein wants no pity.

“When you put your foot on the starting line you don’t have any excuses,” he said.