Miranda Goodwin is believed to be the first mother to qualify for the Nutri-Grain series
A wedding, two kids, nine years and a dramatic Nutri-Grain series trial finish later and Miranda Goodwin is back competing at the highest level.
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A WEDDING, two kids, nine years and a dramatic Nutri-Grain series trial finish later and Miranda Goodwin is back competing at the highest level.
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The Currumbin Vikings mum iron headed into the final race of September’s Ironwoman series trial needing just a few more points to seal a spot in the top six and secure a spot in the series.
But the final lap around the cans ‘got the better’ of the 25-year-old, paving the way for a dramatic finish as Currumbin teammate Jayde Hardstaff stumbled during the last part of the race, giving Goodwin the opportunity to finish just ahead and secure the final place in the women’s elite series.
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“She sort of stumbled coming around the corner and tripped over her own feet in the last sprint to the finish,” she said.
“There were a few girls chasing me at the end there but it helped me qualify.
“It was very challenging and tough and absolutely brutal.
“The last race got the better of me.”
Goodwin is believed to be the first mother in competitive lifesaving history to qualify for the Nutri-Grain series.
Now mum of boys Max, 3 and Wilson, 1, Goodwin has overcome the injury that cruelly cut short her career nine years ago when she first qualified for the series as a 16-year-old.
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“To be honest, the big reason I came back was for the Currumbin Vikings 100 year celebrations and to race for the club,” she said.
“I was asked to come back by a few people at the club and thought why not give it another crack while I still can.
“It was a bit of relief (qualifying for the series) after a gruelling pre-season.”
After attempting the short course in the past, Goodwin will on Sunday tackle the Coolangatta Gold long course for the first time and is aiming simply to give her kids a big cuddle on completion of the 46km race.
“They’re my motivation to finish it,” she said.
“I’m competing in the Gold just to finish it.
“Whether I finish top 10 or last, I just want to cross that line with a smile on my face.”
When asked whether the Coolangatta Gold or giving birth was more challenging, Goodwin expected the former to give the latter a run for its money.
“I thought about this the other day and at least with giving birth, you know what you’re in for and what to expect but with the Gold, it’s a whole new set of emotions and challenges,” she said.