Bold COVID call gives rise to exciting ironman prospect

FINN Askew’s decision to uproot his life on the NSW Coast amid COVID and link up with idol Ali Day at Surfers Paradise has him ready to launch his Nutri-Grain Ironman career.

FINN Askew’s decision to uproot his life on the NSW Coast amid COVID and link up with idol Ali Day at Surfers Paradise has him ready to launch his Nutri-Grain Ironman career.

Askew will make his debut as a 19-year-old in the opening two rounds of the Series this Saturday and Sunday at Kingscliff after securing the last spot on offer at the trials at the end of November with an eighth place finish.

It’s the same age Day was when he made his Nutri-Grain Series debut before going on to win two Series titles and six Coolangatta Gold races.

“It’s honestly a dream come true,” Askew said.

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“You dream of being able to race with all your idols like Ali, Kendrick Louis, Matt Bevilaqua and Matt Poole.

“For it to actually come true is pretty surreal.

“I don’t think it will sink in until I walk down on to the beach for that first round. I’ll then know I have a job to do.

“I want to go out and show the big boys what I can do.”

Nutri-Grain Ironman qualifier Finn Askew. Picture: Supplied.

Askew hails from the South West Rocks and represented Newport SLSC in 2019 before making the brave decision to move states during a global pandemic.

“I was competing for Newport but training by myself,” Askew said.

“I talked to the coach up here, Zayne Hamill. I was in a position where I was able to move up here so I thought I may as well give it a crack and put everything on the line and try and make the Series. I’m so grateful and lucky it paid off.”

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Askew said working alongside Day had already paid huge dividends as he looks to improve rapidly.

“I have always looked up to Ali,” Askew said.

“I love the Coolangatta Gold and watching him win six times has been amazing.

Ali Day at the Nutri_Grain series qualifiers for the 2020/21 on Kingscliff Beach. Photo: Harvie Allison

“I’d love to be able to win a Gold title. He is a great person too. He mentors me a bit too.

“I watch what he does and mimic it because you know if you’re doing something similar to Ali then you are going to be on the right path.

“He has played a big part in getting me to the Series this year.”

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