Family builds Viking culture
HIS grandfather is former senior patrol officer and Currumbin president Marshall Kropp, his father is Gold Coast chief lifeguard and assistant coach Chris Maynard, but Jackson Maynard has more than made a name for himself as one of the five Vikings in the NutriGrain Ironman Series during the club’s 100th year.
The 27-year-old and his family have been architects of the Vikings’ rich history, even so that forgotten athletes like now Nutri-Grain series star Miranda Goodwin have returned specifically for Currumbin’s centenary.
“It’s (Currumbin) been a massive part of my family,” Maynard said.
“It’s special for the club and we’ve got such a good squad at the moment under Kingy (coach Michael King).
“People are coming back to the club for this year when a few years ago I was really the only ironman at the club.
“The club is behind us and always supporting us.”
Along with those who return, there are some who never left. Chris Maynard still acts as a handler for Jackson every time he takes his place on the starting line and has done since his first under-10 ironman race.
“He’s able to yell at me when I’m not doing as well which no other handlers are probably able to,” Maynard joked.
“The whole family always comes down to watch my races when there’s a round on the Gold Coast so it’s always a family affair.”
After sitting out Round 1 of the Nutri-Grain series – the Coolangatta Gold – it means every round now counts for Maynard who is eager to improve on his ninth-placed effort last summer and achieve success for the club that has seen him grow from a Nipper into one of Australia’s best ironmen.
“In the back of my mind, I’m always wanting to do the best for myself but long term, I’ll take each race as it comes,” he said.
“It would be amazing to get on the podium but you never know how it’s going to play out.”
While many of his NutriGrain series opponents spent the winter months slogging it out on the Gold Coast, Maynard continued to compete, albeit in stand-up paddle boarding, around the world in places like China and Japan.