From hell to high fives as ironwoman Georgia Miller wins Coolangatta Gold
A YEAR after a broken Georgia Miller staggered across the finish of the Coolangatta Gold and vowed never to do it again she has won the race.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- From near-drowning to world surf record
- Jess Fox now a GOAT.
- What Steph Gilmore has to do to be world champ
A YEAR after a disorientated and broken Georgia Miller staggered across the finish line of the Coolangatta Gold and vowed never to do it again the Northern Beaches ironwoman has won the iconic race.
On the same day Ali Day claimed a record sixth Coolangatta Gold crown, Miller won her first.
DAY OF HELL: Why Georgia didn’t want to return
SURF MEMORY: We surfed the crappiest of the crap
Miller’s slightly wobbly victory march could not have been more different from her agonising 2017 finish for fourth place in the 23km ski, 2.1km run, 3.5km swim, 6.1km board and 7.1km run endurance test.
It also laid to rest Miller’s demons from the race which left her suffering nightmares for weeks in the wake of the 48.2km torture test.
“I am over the moon, over and over the moon,’’ Miller said after the race.
“But I actually think that was more painful than last year. Maybe because I remember it this time.
“The most painful four and a half hours of my life, but I got through it and I am proud of myself.’’
FAMILY DAY OUT: For ironwoman Mirinda Carfrae
MAKING WAVES: Layne Beachley part of history
Having learned crucial nutritional lessons from her last race, an emotional Miller (4:29.22) walked slowly across the finish line before sinking to the ground spent, beating Danielle McKenzie (4:39.08) and Lana Rogers (4:41.42) for the famous surf lifesaving title.
Now based on the Gold Coast, Miller set up the victory by training on the course with clubmate McKenzie under coach and former ironwoman star Naomi Flood.
Day covered the men’s course in 4:01.00 to beat Max Beattie (4:21.58) and Mitch Allum. (4.23.37).