Berg’s back with iron will for ocean swim
WES Berg will head a field of several hundred athletes taking on the Burleigh Heads ocean swim tomorrow morning.
Berg returned to competitive racing last weekend in the relay event at the opening Summer of Surf round on the Sunshine Coast.
His return came almost a year after breaking his neck in a surfing accident.
“Eleven months of not doing anything with racing, it was awesome to be able to get back in there with the Burleigh boys and have a race,” Berg reflected.
The ironman will now look to conquer the Burleigh ocean.
“I won’t be at my full capacity but I will just be out there having a slash and being involved in the event,” he said.
Berg has previously placed in the race but said the typically strong field it attracts makes it a tough event to win.
“It’s pretty hard because we get a lot of Olympians down … because there is great money on the event so it’s very hard to overcome those guys with naturally their amazing talent,” he said
“It’s a great event … it’s challenging for all levels and abilities and it’s just a good family fun day.”
Tanyn Lyndon is among the other marquee names competing.
The eighth edition of the event at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club will start from 7am with the main 2km distance, followed by 1km races, a 400m junior distance and a last “dash for cash” over roughly 300m about 9.15am.
Berg will back up later in the morning when he competes in the Burleigh Board Battle in honour of the late Jacob Lollback.
“The race is normally held in Yamba because that is where he is from but they have moved it back up to Burleigh this year which is very fortunate for the club,” Berg said.