ALI’S DAY: IRONMAN’S CLASSIC WIN SETS UP EPIC SHOWDOWN AT THE AUSSIES
THE Shannon Eckstein story scriptwriters couldn’t quite deliver a fairytale ending ... at least not yet.
The victory of in-form Ali Day over the retiring Northcliffe stalwart in the inaugural Shannon Eckstein Classic ironman final whet the appetite for next week’s clash at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.
The two were head-tohead for much of the race on Saturday before Day, considered by many as the heir to Eckstein’s throne, stormed home just ahead of the defiant champion.
Day admitted it was a weird feeling beating his idol in his own race but he relished the opportunity to celebrate one of his mates and lifesaving inspirations.
“He brings out the best in everyone,” he said.
“You think you’re going OK – like I was running into the transition thinking ‘I’m pretty comfortable here’ – but then Shannon seems to go another 10 per cent harder and I’m thinking ‘where did you find that?’.
“We ran into that last swim and he was giving it to all the guys and he’s been doing it for a long time now.
“I’ll really cherish those sorts of moments in the future.”
For 15 minutes’ work, Day adds $20,000 to his season prizepool, which he plans to put towards his wedding to girlfriend Kel King in a few weeks’ time.
After a string of injuries, Eckstein admitted he wasn’t as fit as he once was.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous because I’m still competing to win,” he said. Both men now turn their attention towards a rematch at the Aussies, which could see Eckstein add a ninth national title to his already lengthy resume.
“Hopefully the coaches will give me a few days off now so I can relax and enjoy it,” Day said. “I’ve got 10 or so days to prepare for Aussies so it’s bang bang bang but I’m looking forward to it.”
Lana Rogers (Noosa) took out the open ironwoman.