He certainly didn’t think this would be how he would make his debut in the Nutri-Grain IronMan Series, but young North Bondi Ironman Charlie Verco is ecstatic nonetheless about the surprise inclusion. 

Verco, who received a call up on Wednesday afternoon less than two days out from the second weekend of racing said the chance was a dream come true. 

“I’m over the moon, I couldn’t believe it when I found out,” Verco said. 

“I’ve been dreaming about an opportunity like this since I was in Under 6s, since I was five years old down at North Bondi Nippers.” 

Not daunted by racing against the big guns, Verco is taking it all in his stride and is out to not only to give it his best shot but have fun in the process. 

“I got the call from my coach Scotty Thompson who said this is a great opportunity but it’s also a great opportunity to just have fun this weekend with limited pressure,” he said. 

“Racing against these amazing athletes it’s not something you come across every day, so make the most of it and have fun. 

“I’ve been feeling really fit and fast at the moment obviously because this was a surprise I haven’t been training perfectly for these formats, but I’m feeling ready to give it a good crack.” 

Using the weekend as a learning curve, Verco said that being sidled up to his hero and the unstoppable Ali Day would just be the cherry on top of his Nutri-Grain IronMan Series debut. 

“Ali Day this year has just been phenomenal to watch and he’s always been unbeatable and if I could just sit around next to him it would be amazing,” he said. 

“He’s been one of my heroes ever since I’ve grown up and racing him is part of the dream come true.” 

The remaining three rounds of the Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series will take place across 26-28 February with round four (26 Feb) LIVE on Channel 9GO! from 12pm-2pm nationally and rounds five and six LIVE on Channel 9 from 12pm-2pm nationally. 

To read more about Charlie Verco click here. 

To see the full point score and current leader board for the Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman  click here. 

For further information about the Nutri-Grain Iron Series click here. 

To see the full list of male and female competitors in the Nutri-Grain Iron Series click here.