Sleek Slee wins maiden ironwoman title

When Jade Slee crossed the finish line of the under-19 ironwoman final, she broke down in tears.

WHEN Jade Slee crossed the finish line of the under-19 ironwoman final, she broke down in tears.

The 18-year-old from Mermaid Beach SLSC never in a million years imagined she’d win an ironwoman title, let alone one at the Aussies.

“I actually don’t know yet,” she said when asked how it feels to be a national champion.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet that I just won that race.

“A lot of emotion ran through me (crossing the finish line) and it was the most exciting thing ever.”

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After finishing fifth at the Queensland state titles, Slee had to contend with fierce conditions at Broadbeach to breakthrough for her maiden Australian title.

“The board was challenging,” she said.

“I’m pretty sure I came off nearly last out of the board transition but when I had that lead in the swim I knew I could hold on because it’s my speciality.”

Jade Slee took out the Under 19 ironwoman race at the Aussies and she couldn't be happier. Picture: Harvpix

And hold on she did.

The star swimmer, who recently won bronze in the U19 10km race at the Australian open water championships, raced ahead in her favourite leg to establish a healthy lead.

“I train three times a week (for surf lifesaving), if that,” she said.

“I knew my skills could get me through,” she said.

“This is the best year I’ve ever had.”

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Local knowledge came to the fore in the ski leg as several surf craft were spotted tumbling towards shore after their competitors weren’t able to navigate the barrage of waves.

“When I punched into that wave, I wasn’t sure if I was even going to stay in my ski and then I was sideways but I knew I just had to straighten up and get out there as quick as possible,” Slee said.

“Everyone had lost their skis by that stage so I just didn’t give up.”

Slee’s story is also one of loyalty with the young gun saying she’s never once thought of leaving the club where she began her surf career.

“It means the world to me (to represent Mermaid Beach),” she said.

“I’ve been at Mermaid Beach ever since nippers and to finally get a win is unbelievable.”