A new generation has emerged victorious with rising stars Ethan Callaghan and Lily O’Sullivan claiming maiden wins at round five of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series today at Maroubra.
Messy surf conditions of 3-4 metre swell and rips, once again tested the best lifesavers in the country, as they left it all in the ocean in a bid to secure vital Series points.
Callaghan and O’Sullivan, who both hail from Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park (BHMP), train under legendary Ironman Michael King. For Callaghan, he has a strong support crew around him including his dad Travis who competed in the Ironman Series in the early 2000’s.
“I am pretty happy to get around in one piece, I just wanted to hold that wave I got in the swim leg as long as I could and get out in the ski leg clean,” said Callaghan.
“I had to wait a bit to get over a few waves and as soon as that happened I was lucky to get around cleanly and got a backwash that brought me in.
“This will set me up pretty good. I think I just need to keep at it and try to win the big one,” he said.
19 year old Callaghan’s win and consistent form throughout the season, now puts him in equal first place on the overall Series ladder with five-time Series champion, Ali Day.
Rounding out the Ironman podium today was Joel Piper (BHMP) and Zach Morris (BMD Northcliffe).
O’Sullivan dreams of winning a round of the Iron Series was something she has had since she was a five year old nipper. The Gold Coast City Council lifeguard was able to use the skills she hones in her day job to full advantage in today’s racing.
The 21 year old Ironwoman came into the weekend’s racing feeling under the weather, but was determined to give it her all.
“It wasn’t until last Sunday that I started getting sick and this week I have been in bed and not preparing as I should. That was probably to my advantage as there was some surf and I just had to play it smart,” she said.
“I was so excited to be out there making the top 12, knowing that I had that equal chance in the last race I just went for it.
“That has been a dream since I was about 5 years old. I have been in the series for the last five years watching all the other girls… now being on top, I am so proud.
“I am a lifeguard for Gold Coast City Council at my home beach of Burleigh, so being able to be on the beach all the time and seeing all the rips and reading the surf has allowed me to get where I am today,” she said.
O’Sullivan finished ahead of Lizzie Welborn (Newport) and Emily Doyle (Northcliffe), who also picked up her first podium finish.
The Shaw and Partners Iron Series will now move to Miami (Gold Coast) on 31 January and 1 February for the Final.
Ali Day, 5 times Series champion, current Australian Ironman champion and 11 time Coolangatta Gold champion, has declared he will retire from professional Ironman racing this season. Can he go out on top?
The Shaw and Partners Iron Series is broadcast live and replay on Channel 10 and 10Plus.