ATHLETES TO WATCH
MUST-SEE COMPETITORS
ALI DAY
The Surfers Paradise star will be looking to cap a near-faultless season with his first Australian ironman title. Having already won the Coolangatta Gold, world title and Nutri-Grain Series in 2018-19, along with last weekend’s Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic, he’s in dangerous form and will be tough to beat.
LAURA TAYLOR
This time last year the swimming sensation was racing for international gold at the Commonwealth Games. Her experience and skills in the surf will bolster a Northcliffe team looking for a 16th straight win in the pointscore.
RUBY MEEHAN & CALLUM BRENNAN
The Currumbin young guns have emerged as the ones to beat after strong Queensland Youth Championships efforts. Meehan took out the under-15 ironwoman final while Brennan won gold in the under-15 ironman.
CURRUMBIN TAPLIN RELAY
Last year Currumbin broke a four-decade drought when they stormed home to record a famous victory in the open male Taplin relay. The raw and emotional scenes of celebration that followed could be topped if they manage to pull off back-to-back wins in the prestigious event next week.
ZANE HOLMES
One of the most decorated ironmen in history, Holmes notched up five NutriGrain titles, two world ironman championships, an Australian title and a Coolangatta Gold across an impressive career. Keep an eye out for the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park veteran as he dives into the masters and open competition next week.
KY KINSELA
It’s been a big month for Currumbin’s Kinsela, with the star winning both the Queensland and NSW under-19 ironman title. He’ll be hoping to cap it off with an Aussie victory.
MASTERS V FORSYTH
The action will be fast and furious in the sprints when Currumbin’s Elizabeth Forsyth faces Kurrawa’s Bree Masters. They finished one-two in the sprints and flags last year, with Forsyth claiming bragging rights in both. Masters stormed home at the recent Queensland Championships to claim the sprint title, while Forsyth reigned supreme in the flags.
TANYN LYNDON
A strong performance at the states two weeks ago saw the Kurrawa rising star take out a maiden state title. The ironman was runner-up at the Australian Championships in 2013 and will be eager to go one better this time.
SHANNON ECKSTEIN
Regarded as the greatest ironman ever, the Northcliffe hero will be hoping for a fairytale finish to his career when he lines up at his final Aussies next week. With eight Australian ironman titles already he knows a thing or two about pressure.
GEORGIA MILLER
Northcliffe’s Miller will enter in career-best form after an incredible season that’s yielded a maiden Coolangatta Gold title and a Nutri-Grain Series win. However, she’s likely to face tough competition from Maddy Dunn, Courtney Hancock and the recent Queensland champion Lana Rogers.