HANCOCK IN EMOTIONAL SURFERS WIN
ATHLETES have welcomed the return of the Nutri-Grain ironman and ironwoman series to Surfers Paradise, with the elite surf lifesaving event returning to the iconic beach for the first time in three years.
About 2000 fans packed the sand and Esplanade foreshore to watch competitors go around in the new Ocean6 league – which includes the ironman and ironwoman series.
And they were not disappointed, with Gold Coasters Matt Bevilacqua and Courtney Hancock taking out the premium ironman and ironwoman races.
Northcliffe ironwoman Hancock sealed her first race win in three years in an emotional return to form.
Despite losing her ski in the opening race and having to battle to avoid immediate elimination, Hancock conquered the conditions to make the final race, and last three in the survivor event.
“It means so much to me,” she said. “It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been able to take a win.”
A veteran of the sport, Hancock notched her first race win in the series at Surfers Paradise seven years ago and was thrilled to be back.
“It’s so good. This is my favourite place to race and you can see how many people are here today and just what (the ocean) did with the swell is so exciting,” she said. “For me, this is the best one yet.”