Nutri-Grain ironwoman Courtney Hancock’s special inspiration to turn season around

Two decades ago Courtney Hancock dreamed of one day meeting idol and surf lifesaving legend Karla Gilbert. Now 20 years on she has the chance to match one of her milestones.

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Two decades ago Courtney Hancock was a star struck Nipper who dreamed of one day meeting idol and surf lifesaving legend Karla Gilbert.

Now 20 years on, Hancock has the opportunity to match one of the most impressive milestones achieved by the surf great she now calls friend and mentor.

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Hancock is one of nine women who are dual Australian iron champions with Gilbert the only one to have won three national iron crowns.

Ironwoman Courtney Hancock is hoping to make a big mark in the second half of the season. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Former ironwoman turned SUP champ Karla Gilbert.

“She was the best ironwoman, the best going around,” said Hancock of the legendary Gilbert, now competing at a high level in stand-up paddle boarding.

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“She is always going to be my hero. I saw that to her now and she still gets embarrassed.”

The 30-year-old admits she is disappointed with her current position outside the top three in the Nutri-Grain series and is hoping for a mid-season turnaround heading into the state and Australian titles, the later scheduled for March at Broadbeach.

Hancock competing last round.

Hancock is returning to a happy hunting ground.

“The Australian title is one that everyone wants to win,’’ Hancock said.

“To get a third is something I would really cherish. It’s always been the goal to try and win it.”

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Hancock said prior to the fourth round at Surfers Paradise that her results in the professional ironwoman series have ended any hopes of her winning this year’s series crown but a top three is still within strike range.

“I can still turn this round. You can sit back and be frustrated or I can really push myself. I’m not that far away,’’ Hancock said.

“I can’t win anymore but I can still make the top three so that’s the new goal.”

The series is being run in conjunction with the Ocean6 event.

Defending champion Ali Day is in the box seat to dominate the ironman and Maddy Dunn the ironwoman racing when the sereis concludes at Wandra later this month.