Brother nicks Pluimers limelight from sister Liz at Coolangatta Gold

NICK Pluimers says his Coolangatta Gold win is by far his greatest achievement in the sport – but it’s one that happened almost by accident.

Coolangatta Gold men’s short-course winner Nick Pluimers with sister Liz. Picture: Scott Fletcher

NICK Pluimers says his Coolangatta Gold win is by far his greatest achievement in the sport – but it’s one that happened almost by accident.

The 28-year-old continued the Pluimers run of victories in the famous race, with his victory in the elite men’s shortcourse race on Saturday following three consecutive wins by sister Elizabeth in the women’s longcourse event.

Neck and neck with Northcliffe’s Ben Cochrane throughout the opening ski and swim legs, North Burleigh’s Pluimers played to his strengths in the board to establish a lead and hung on through the run to win.

Pluimers had contested the event before but did not target this year’s race specifically, relying on the fitness he developed training for the Ironman Cairns triathlon in June.

“I did the shortcourse last year as well and came fourth, it’s certainly a lot better to cross the line first this year,’’ he said.

“I did a triathlon ironman up in Cairns in June and thought while I was fit I might as well keep training through and try to keep it going.

“That’s definitely the top (thing I’ve done in the sport), definitely my favourite.

“I’ve won Australian titles in team events but that’s really my first individual win, so definitely something special.’’

He was happy to keep the Pluimers name on top in the iconic event and having Liz involved in the event as a handler had been a bonus, he said.

“It was pretty special having her there (handling), she ... keeps me calm and takes away the nerves.’’

Liz said the nerves kicked in as she prepared for her brother to race: “I don’t know whether I was more nervous than him ...”

To see the family name remain on the trophy was a proud moment.

“I didn’t know how he was going to go but for him to cross that finish line (first) and see that was pretty cool,’’ she said.