Danielle McKenzie reveals the extent of the elbow injury

Danielle McKenzie’s victory at the Dragon Run ocean ski race in Hong Kong was more than just another win.

DANIELLE McKenzie’s victory at the Dragon Run ocean ski race in Hong Kong meant more than just another win.

It marked the first race in 12 weeks where she wasn’t fighting an excruciating battle with lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, in her right arm.

Danielle McKenzie preparing for round 2 of the Nutri-Grain series at Burleigh Beach on Thursday morning. Picture: Harvpix

“I first noticed it picking up an esky and it got worse,” the Northcliffe Nutri-Grain series star said.

“Racing in South Africa (at the International surf rescue challenge), it’s the worse pain I’ve had in a long time.”

The Kiwi even completed the treacherous 42km Coolangatta Gold long course while nursing the injury before deciding to have cortisone injections a week before Hong Kong.

Danielle McKenzie and Harriet Brown preparing for round 2 of the Nutri-Grain series at Burleigh Beach on Thursday morning. Picture: Harvpix

With six weeks of racing left before Christmas, McKenzie is adamant that the injury won’t ruin her summer.

“The pain levels dropped from about an 8/10 to a 1/10,” she said.

“The physio I was working with has said that I can’t do more damage so pushing through the pain is currently manageable for me.

“The goal was always to get through until Christmas and then revaluate from there.”

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A few months after taking out the ICF canoe ocean racing world champions in France, the 25-year-old added another win to her growing international resume, taking out the Dragon Run last weekend before returning to the Gold Coast earlier this week.

Danielle McKenzie and Harriet Brown preparing for round 2 of the Nutri-Grain series at Burleigh Beach on Thursday morning. Picture: Harvpix

“I flew home on Sunday night and got into Brisbane on Monday morning and went straight to running training after about four or five hours sleep,” she said.

“I actually felt really good.

“One ski race isn’t as taxing on the body as iron racing.”

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On Sunday afternoon, McKenzie will take to Burleigh beach for round two of the Nutri-Grain series after finishing fifth and claiming 16 series points at the Coolangatta Gold.

With four hours of racing set to de downgraded to a 40-minute endurosurf format, McKenzie is confident of challenging again.

“It’s slightly more suited to me at the moment,” she said.

“That first swim is going to be at a super-fast pace and everything is going to go 100% right for me to be up there with those other girls.”