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Iron Series To Hit World Stage

The World Ironman Series is set to ignite the sport of Surf Lifesaving when international athletes hit Canggu, Bali in August.

16 of Australia’s best Ironman and Ironwomen will contend athletes from the USA, Indonesia and Europe as they battle out in what organiser and Ironman, Matt Poole says will hope to recreate and redefine the sport of Surf Lifesaving.

“Our sport has been struggling for the last couple of years from the famous Golden era 80’s, it is now or never,” said Poole.

“We need new ideas to ignite change, we want to recreate and redefine our sport as well as entertaining our audience.”

Poole said when Finns Beach Club approached both himself and Ironman Matt Bevilacqua they saw an incredible opportunity for Surf Lifesaving.

“To showcase just how amazing our surf sports athletes are to an International audience was the opportunity needed to drive the change we want to see.” Poole said.

Bevilacqua has been working next to Poole and says if they can achieve what they hope to, they will deliver a great product for the sport of Surf Lifesaving.

“We have some of the best athletes our sport has seen over the last decade,” Bevilacqua said.

“Olympian’s, National and World Champions across many different sports, coming together to put our sport on the world stage.”

Poole and Bevilacqua set sights on an international series of Ironman and Ironwoman racing with The World Ironman Series the beginning of what’s next to come.

Bringing the household names of Zane Holmes and Ky Hurst out of retirement, The World Ironman Series kicks off on August 17th-19th Canggu, Bali.

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Champion Couple to Cross Channel of Bones - Molokai 2018

Reigning Nutri Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Champions Matt Bevilacqua and Brielle Cooper will each be chasing the Molokai2Oahu World Championship title in Hawaii in late July.

Contesting for his fourth World Title, Bevilacqua said he has never felt better leading into the 52km crossing.

“I’m a lot lighter in weight but haven’t sacrificed any strength for that which is good,” said Bevilacqua.

“For the first time in my career for this race, I have been able to train on the same shape board leading into the event which is obviously very helpful.”

Bevilacqua said when he is surrounded by ocean and under his own power the best asset to get through the race is the mind.

“I have always done the work, including this year,” Bevilacqua said.

“I know there is absolutely nothing to worry about as I have simply done everything I possibly can in preparation.

“If I win or if I don’t, I will have no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing.”

Brielle Cooper will contend in the women’s category on her maiden voyage from Molokai to Oahu.

“I am excited to take on an unfamiliar challenge but also nervous as it is nothing like I have ever contended before,” Cooper said.  

“I know it will test me both mentally and physically.”

The Gold Coast couple have been training side by side for the past 16 weeks.

Bevilacqua said having each other is such an advantage for preparation and competition.

“We figure things out together, working on each other’s weaknesses and modifying our programs,” Bevilacqua said.

“It’s a very individual sport so it’s amazing to be able to share the hard work and the travelling experiences with someone.” Bevilacqua said.

Cooper has set no expectations for her first crossing but said she has done all she can to prepare for the event.

“Training has involved lengthy board paddles, swimming, running, gym and ski padding,” Cooper said.

“I have also had to learn how to control the 18-foot paddleboard, this has been more challenging than I anticipated.”

Cooper said she is excited to simply be a part of the special event that is spoken so highly of.

Traditionally a downwind race due to the prevailing trade winds at this time of year, Bevilacqua said it is the most amazing race he has ever been a part of.

“There’s an instinctual magic to paddling from one island to another.” Bevilacqua said.

The dynamic duo said they are finalising their training and will head to Hawaii, lining up to race on Sunday, July 29.

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Ali Chases His Sixth Victory

Champion Ironman Ali Day will be chasing an historic sixth Coolangatta Gold Title when the sports toughest event hits the Gold Coast in October. 

Ali said the two most important aspects of his preparation are focusing on himself and his own training. 

“The event has become a part of my life, the commitment and discipline required is although at times a frustrating process, it’s what I love to do.” Ali said. 

“If you can get through 18 weeks of training and preparation, looking after yourself, your diet, sleep and mental space, you’ve got a good chance come race day.” 

Ali said each year posed different challenges that made him question his ability and preparation.  

“There is always something in the back of your head that’s daunting,” Ali said.   “Luckily I have an amazing support team around me who always help me through.”

Abbey Pugh, a member of the Bond Surf Swim squad, has been swimming with Ali for three years. 

She said Ali’s determination and positive approach to training is incomparable. 

“Nothing seems to phase him, he takes each session as a challenge always giving it his all and not ever does he have excuses,” Abbey said. 

“He is one of the most dedicated athletes who always wears a smile whilst encouraging everyone around him.” 

Ali now balances training, relationships and embarks on building a successful business. 

“Some days I feel I nail it, other days I don’t, it’s always going to be a work in progress and I will keep working on it.”

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Miller Joins Bonds Elite

Prominent surf athlete Georgia Miller has joined Bond’s Elite Surf swim squad.   The 22-year-old moved to Bond from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to further her Surf Lifesaving career.  

“I prefer to be in a smaller more elite squad as I like having more lane space and it is easier for one-on-one time with the coaches,” Georgia said. 

“I have just begun my fifth week of swimming at Bond and with only 10 surf athletes training within our squad, I am absolutely loving it thus far.”  

Georgia said she is looking forward to a big season having won three Australian Surf Race Championships, two Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Ironwoman Round wins and a third place in the 2017/2018 Nutri Grain Ironwoman Series.  

Bond swim coach Brett Carter is now coaching Georgia as she joins the elite list of some of the best ironman and ironwoman athletes in the country.  

“To be in this squad the athletes are expected to meet very high standards in regard to their commitment, attitude and execution,” Mr Carter said. 

  “They are asked to show a commitment level of someone who is intrinsically motivated, a positive attitude and execute each day to the best of their ability.”  

Georgia said Mr Carter is a highly committed and passionate coach, always giving his all to his athletes and going above and beyond to help them achieve their goals. 

“He really focuses on our mental toughness throughout every session.”  

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Ironman Trades Beach for the Books

Shannon Eckstein is the world’s most decorated Ironman but at 35 he realises he must look towards the next stage of his life.

Shannon now balances work, racing and family life with study as he embarks on his graduate certificate of Valuation and Property Development at Bond.

“I have spent the past 18 years racing as a professional Ironman but as that starts to wind down I’ve had to weigh up some options,” Shannon said.

“This course offered subjects that were a great fit and Bond has a great reputation for delivering what business wants in employees.”

With nine Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Ironman Series victories, eight Australian Ironman Titles and six World Ironman Titles he is regarded as the greatest of all time.

Bond University Sports & Program Manager Hayley Martin said Shannon is part of the Bond Elite Sport Program (BESP), where he joins many other students who compete at a world-class level.

“Our trimesters often work well with athletes as they can study during their ‘low season’, but also benefit from flexibility with their studies during competition,” Ms Martin said.

“BESP hopes to see Shannon achieve his sporting goals while balancing his studies.”

Shannon will prioritise coming into his final season setting goals in the surf and on the land.

His sights are set on claiming back the Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Ironman Series, his next Australian Ironman Title and starting full time work.