SET on a sunny 29 degree day in ideal surf conditions of six foot, glassy and offshore, the athletes at Bali’s World Ironman Series couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting to compete in.
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Kiama’s Day and Jordan Mercer won both the day’s events and were thrilled to finish first and be part of the inaugural World Ironman Championships.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming over here, to win the first ever World Ironman Bali title is amazing,” Day said.
“The crowd and support over here has been like nothing else, it’s got me really excited to see where this event goes in the future.
“Hopefully we will back again soon.”
Mercer echoed the thoughts of the South Coast product.
“The World Ironman Championship Bali has been the most amazing racing experience I have ever had,” she said.
“The Finns beach club location, atmosphere and ocean conditions have been world class.
“This victory means so much to me. I'm honoured to have the World Ironwoman Championship title to my name.
“I have had a tough comeback campaign recovering from injury.
“No greater way to prove to myself that I am back at the top of my sport.”
So great was the event it even enticed legendary Ironmen, Ky Hurst and Zane Holmes out of retirement to go up against celebrated athlete, Shannon Eckstein and the young guns leading the charge in the surf, such as Ali Day and Matt Bevilacqua.
Both Hurst and Holmes showed that although they have both had years away from the sport they have still got what it takes to race alongside the best.
Neither athlete made it onto the podium however the champions gave it everything they had.
“It was an honour to be asked to come out of retirement and race against two of the greatest ironmen in Shannon Eckstein and Zane Holmes,” hurst said.
“I forgot how fit you have to be to compete at this level.
“Obviously the swim came back naturally but with a small preparation the fitness wasn’t what it use to be.”