Holmes attempts ironwoman comeback

KIRSTY Holmes is 20 years older than some of her rivals and while some may see that as a disadvantage, the Kawana ironwoman sees nothing but positives.

Kirsty Holmes paddling with a dolphin. Picture: Contributed

KIRSTY Holmes is 20 years older than some of her rivals and while some may see that as a disadvantage, the Kawana ironwoman sees nothing but positives.

Holmes, 37, will attempt to make a stunning comeback to the professional arena at this weekend's Ironwoman Series trials at Noosa.

Holmes, a two-time Australian ironwoman champion, hasn't competed in the series since 2004 but said handling for her brother Zane in the 2010-11 series re-ignited the competitive fire in her belly.

“I haven't done the sport properly for seven years and it's the first time I've been inspired to do it,” she told the Daily yesterday.

“I think the series is coming back to where it used to be when I finished and during last summer I thought it'd be worth another go.”

Holmes is optimistic going into the trials where nearly 50 ironwomen will be vying for just seven spots in the series.

She has only been training properly for six weeks but hopes her experience will help her get over the line.

“I wasn't sure if I could mentally get together to do the hard work,” she said.

“I found out the trial was earlier than last year and I've only had about six weeks of training.

“It really isn't enough but I'm hoping it's enough to make it.

“I wasn't going to decide until the last minute and even three weeks ago I was thinking I'm not going to be ready.

“I just thought I may as well bite the bullet and have a go.

“I'm hoping some experience and tactics might come into it and I can use that to my advantage instead of my fitness level.”

Holmes will be the oldest competitor in the trials with 17-year-old Sunshine Coast products Danielle Allen and Jordan Mercer also in the mix.

Her last major race was the 2008 Coolangatta Gold but Holmes is adamant such a long stint out of the competitive arena wouldn't be detrimental.

“What inspired me when I first got into the sport was challenging my mind and body,” she said.

“It's no different now and I want to see what I can do at 37.

“You're able to compete well into your 30s.

"You just need the mental ability, passion and drive to do it.

“Once you get on a roll with it, I've found the more I train the more I find it mentally easier.

“It's a completely different race to the Gold.

"This is more like a long sprint.”

Holmes' best result in the series was third overall in 1999.

She has won a number of races and finished second to Kara Gilbert “many times”.

Trialists will compete in the heats on Saturday with the finals to be held on Sunday morning from 8am at Noosa Heads.

Originally published as Holmes attempts ironwoman comeback