HANCOCK’S RETURN

THIRD TITLE ON CARDS

COURTNEY Hancock admits she hasn’t had her best surf season.

After finishing 10th overall in the Ocean6 Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series and third in the state ironwoman final, the 28-year-old has been left frustrated by her inconsistency.

That can all end from Wednesday when her Aussie ironwoman campaign starts at Broadbeach.

“It’s been a really slow season for me,” Hancock said.

“I’ve had a few results that I haven’t been overly happy with.”

The good news is that Hancock has time to turn it around. The Northcliffe stalwart believes she is primed to finish her season on a high and take out a third national ironwoman crown (wins in 2011, 2013) and has even sent a stern warning to anyone planning to get in her way.

“The ironwoman is the one everyone wants to win,” she said.

“I’ve really been wanting to win a third and that’s something I’ve been trying to get for the past few years.

“In the back-end of the season, I’ve really picked up and I’m where I want to be and I’ve done everything I possibly can to get as fit as I can.

“I’ve been doing everything I can like fitting in extra running which is going to make a difference.”

Despite weather conditions always being a big talking point when it comes to the ironwoman final, Hancock won’t be taking part in any forecast predictions.

“This last two years I haven’t actually looked at the forecast until it gets closer to the event,” she said.

“There’s a lot of talk about what the conditions are doing but I like to prepare for anything.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time now so even if there’s a bit of swell, I’m on this beach every single day so I’m going to be happy with whatever the conditions are.”

After travelling to Perth for the Aussies last year, Hancock is excited to host surf lifesaving’s biggest stage just a few hundred metres away from her home club.

“It’s a different feeling when the Australian titles are at home and you’re staying in your own house and bed,” she said.

“Getting to train down the road is a huge advantage going into the Aussies.

“The nerves are just starting to kick in but I’m excited.”

With each Saturday training squad at Northcliffe reading like an Australian open ironwoman final, Hancock is confident team success is on the horizon as the club chases a 16th straight national title.

“Our sport is very much individual but when we come to the Aussies, it’s more team-based,” she said.

“I’d say I lift about that extra 10 per cent for the teams.”