Miller’s big test
Victory hopes Kai high as champion heads to Straddie
SHE’S won a Coolangatta Gold crown and a world title in recent months but Georgia Miller will head into uncharted waters in the fourth round of the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series at Currumbin today.
The Northcliffe surf lifesaver has never before entered a race with a leader’s top.
But the 21-year-old says she is unfazed by the pressure heading into today’s race, having fully recovered from a cut foot that required five stitches over the Christmas break.
“Everyone keeps asking me about the pressure but because I have never been here before I don’t know any different,” Miller said.
“I’m just going out there like I do every race, a little nervous, but trying not to overthink things.’’
While owning the title of the form athlete of the season, there is one important result still missing.
“I’m thrilled with my consistency but I still don’t have a win in the series,” Miller said. “It’s what I’m aiming for.’’
The Sydney product attributes moving to Northcliffe, where she trains under former star Naomi Flood, as sparking the best season of her career,
“I moved out of my comfort zone and it made all the difference COOLANGATTA surfer Kai Tandler will be on a quest for back-to-back titles as the Hydralyte Pro kicks off.
Some of the best junior surfers from around Australia will converge on North Stradbroke Island for the first event of the
IRONWOMAN
1. Georgia Miller ................. 254
2. Maddy Dunn .................. 245
3. Lana Rogers ................... 190
IRONMAN
1. Ali Day ............................. 237
2. Kendrick Louis ............... 233
3. Matt Poole ..................... 227
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in the world,” she said. “I have never had results like this before.
“No matter what the rest of the season brings I am more than happy with my results.
“I’m so glad I made the move and got out of my comfort zone.’’
Miller heads the women’s field racing a yet-to-bedisclosed ironwoman format today from clubmate Maddy Dunn and third-round winner Lana Rogers.
With sizeable swell expected, Miller said there was the chance the series could produce its fourth winner in as many rounds.
“It’s close. It’s good to see so many women pushing the pace,’’ she said.
“It will also be interesting to see who has trained over Christmas or have had a break.’’ series today and tomorrow. Tandler, 18, claimed first in the Queensland leg of the series last year and is keen to get his 2019 Junior Qualifying Series campaign under way.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it. It’s great having an event of this size so close to home,” he said.
“North Straddie is always heaps of fun, it’s an awesome place to go. Having some local knowledge will help for sure.”
Snapper Rocks’ Jaggar Bartholomew will also compete.
The Pro Junior event, which includes under-18 boys and girls divisions, forms part of the 2019 Australian Junior Qualifying Series, providing athletes the opportunity to win a coveted world title at the World Surf League Junior Championships in 2020.
Last year’s Australasian JQS champion Zahli Kelly said the Pro Junior was a great chance for young surfers to learn.
“Having the Hydralyte Pro Junior Series is a huge help to any young surfer who is looking to gain experience at the next level before moving on to the qualifying series,” she said.
“As a junior surfer you are still learning everything about competing in a WSL event and these events are the perfect starting point, with the ultimate goal of the qualifying for the WSL World Juniors.”
Surfing Queensland chief executive Adam Yates said he was excited to see the Pro Junior return to the state.
“The level of talent is so high in this series each year and this event provides our local surfers with the opportunity to demonstrate their skill at home,” he said.
The three-round series moves to Cronulla on April 27-28.