Karla Gilbert was in a car crash the night before the 1992 Coolangatta Gold race

The year was 1992 and defending Coolangatta Gold women’s event champion Karla Gilbert was preparing for another crack at the women’s race.

THE year was 1992 and defending Coolangatta Gold women’s event champion Karla Gilbert was preparing for another crack at the women’s race.

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But a car accident the night before the 8km run-swim-board endurance race threw her preparations into turmoil.

Ironwoman Karla Gilbert during the inaugural 20km Devondale Gold Ironwoman on the Gold Coast, which she later won. Sport / Swimming / Ironwomen / Action

Celebrating the end of high school with her friends, a then 17-year-old Gilbert was a passenger in a car that was hit on the passenger side by another vehicle.

Gilbert, who completed her grade 12 studies the Friday before the 1992 Gold, shared the lead with experienced campaigner Samantha O’Brien (Clovelly) for most of the race, but secured a commanding break in the final 1.5km board leg.

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O’Brien, the defending champion, lost control of her board on a wave into the beach and Gilbert sprinted to the finish line.

Karla Gilbert in action.

“This win means the most to me because I was very shaken up,” she said.

“It is very satisfying for me because I had a lot of bad luck last year and all the races were so short, which made it tough.

“The longer race suits me better.

“If I make a mistake I am able to catch up and sort myself out before it does too much damage.”

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