Eckstein: I can still win ninth title

Surf lifesaving icon Shannon Eckstein says he can still win a ninth Aussie title – but there’s one catch.

IRONMAN icon Shannon Eckstein is confident he can claim a ninth Australian title in his swansong event in April.

If fully fit.

The Northcliffe stalwart continued his comeback from a leg injury with a crushing victory at the Maroochy Classic yesterday.

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He beat Matt Bevilacqua and Matt Poole to snare the $3000 prize purse.

“This was a confidence booster because I’m still trying to get trust in my calf and get fit as well because I’ve had that time (two months) off,” he said.

Maroochy Classic Surf Lifesaving Carnival. Shannon Eckstein wins the Ironman. Picture: Warren Lynam

“Usually at this time of year it’s all about racing but I’m in a hard work phase.”

The Maroochydore hit-out was just his second since resuming and he expects it will be another six weeks before he has faith in his leg.

Eckstein will complete the Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and will tackle the state championships and his new event, the lucrative Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic, before finishing his career at the national championships at Broadbeach. He hopes to go out in style.

“I’ll be racing against these guys (from the Murphy Homes Maroochy Classic) and there’s Ali Day and there’s a few New South Wales guys thrown in the mix but if I get there 100 per cent fit I’m confident I can get the job done,” he said.

“But when you’re 35, it’s about balancing that hard work.”

Meanwhile, a ‘magic carpet’ wave helped the Kurrawa open men’s crew claim a breakthrough result at Maroochydore yesterday, winning round two of the BP Wessel Classic, in the lead-up to the Australian championships.