Iron X: Race participants have hit back at their critics

Iron X participants have hit back at their critics, taking to social media to laud the controversial event won by Courtney Hancock and Caine Eckstein at Mooloolaba on Monday.

IRON X participants have hit back at their critics, taking to social media to laud the controversial event won by Courtney Hancock and Caine Eckstein at Mooloolaba on Monday.

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The social media war comes just days after several of Australia’s best surf stars aired their grievances online earlier in the week.

Queenslanders Courtney Hancock and Caine Eckstein have delivered stunning victories in front of a packed Mooloolaba Beach for the inaugural Nutri-Grain Iron X contest.

Since Iron X was run on Monday, several competitors have taken to social media to praise the innovation and voice support for the future of the concept.

Surfers Paradise athlete and inaugural women’s winner Courtney Hancock said Monday’s race put her outside of her comfort zone but she was excited for the future of Iron X.

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“Yesterday was the beginning of this and I have no doubt in my mind that the future is looking exceptionally bright,” she wrote.

“I am positive our sport is moving forward & it will get back to where it truly deserves to be.

“Congratulations must go to @slsaustralia and @nutrigrainau for backing something so innovative and taking a risk to grow the sport.”

Courtney Hancock in action.

Despite injuring his shoulder during one of the battleground obstacles, third-place finisher Tanyn Lyndon said Iron X was an exciting opportunity.

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“Anyone who knows me, knows that when someone asks me, do I want to have a crack at something fun and or gnarly I’M IN,” he wrote.

“Monday was one of those opportunities, offered & executed.”

Noosa athlete Jordan Mercer said she was honoured to be part of the first edition of Iron X.

Jordan Mercer tries one of the Iron X obstacles. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

“I think this day, the inaugural NutriGrain Iron X will be remembered as the catalyst for a surf Iron resurgence,” she wrote.

“You can’t wish and will the ‘days of old’ to this current day and age and expect it to transpire.

“It’s a different time now, so a different approach and plan was and is necessary.

“Something say ... Drastic and controversial, yet calculated and professional.”