Candice Warner back in surf life saving and with Nutri-Grain iron commentator job

More than 20 years after she raced the Nutri-Grain iron series Candice Warner is back preparing for a big summer of surf life saving - on and off the sand.

She was one of the youngest ironwoman to compete in the Nutri-Grain series as a precociously talented teen. Now Candice Warner is returning to the iconic surf life saving series to follow the fortunes of a new generation of surf stars - and some she is now training with.

Warner, who competed as a professional ironwoman at 14, is expanding her skills as a sport commentator to help call the series starting in January in Sydney after a stint covering the Olympics.

Candice Falzon also competed for Manly before her retirement from elite competition.

The mother-of-three has also been inspired to get back in training herself with both state and Australian championships on her hit-list in the new year.

“It’s my great passion and a big part of my life,’’ Warner, 36, said.

“I’m back training and going to compete again and I can’t wait.’’

Candice Warner, centre, with teen star Lily Finati and NSW series favourite Lizzie Welborn.

Warner said she was inspired to return to training after watching the Australian surf championships earlier this year.

“Everyone was having such a good time. They all had big smiles,’’ she said.

“I’d like to do some masters and if I’m any good, maybe some open team events.

“It will all depend on how I am looking. I don’t want to embarrass myself.’’

A young Warner back in 2000.

But first she will join the Channel 9 commentary team for the 2021/22 Nutri-Grain series which kicks off at North Bondi from January 14-16 alongside a Generation Next and teams series

The venue well known to Warner who has long represented the North Bondi club and is back training with them alongside the likes of rising stars Lily Finati and Sam Braun.

Warner, who recently appeared on SAS Australia, lives with professional cricketer husband Dave Warner at Maroubra with their children Ivy Mae, Indi Rae and Isla Rose.

After the opening three rounds from January 14-16 at Bondi, the iron series will move to Kurrawa in Queensland for the fourth, fifth and sixth legs from February 4.

Ali Day, who grew up on the NSW south coast, is the defending Nutri-Grain ironman champion and Queenslander Lana Roger the ironwoman titleholder.

Lizzie Welborn and Jackson Borg are the top NSW competitors and are both with the Newport club.

Read more from AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as Candice Warner back in surf life saving and with Nutri-Grain iron commentator job