Jordan Mercer wins first ironwoman title

IRONWOMAN Jordan Mercer raced with a “clear mind and love’’ to add her name to that of her famous father and uncle as the winner of a Nutri-Grain series title.

Power of love drives Jordan to first crown

IRONWOMAN Jordan Mercer raced with a “clear mind and love’’ to add her name to that of her famous father and uncle as the winner of a Nutri-Grain series title.

Mercer has carried the burden of her famous family name with both pride and expectation through six years of the series but raced unencumbered yesterday after the advice of a close friend.

The 22-year-old headed into Friday’s final race tied for the series lead with Noosa clubmate Kirsty Higgison but engineered a fairytale finish to the season by winning the eliminator event to seal a maiden crown.

“Someone really special told me that name on the back of your togs, it’s just your mum and dad. And my mum and dad just means love,’’ Mercer said.

“I raced with a clear mind and love.

“It doesn’t always work out so perfectly but today it has for me.’’

Mercer joins father Darren and uncle Dean as winners of the Nutri-Grain title.

Darren Mercer won the first of his eight series crowns in the 1986-87 series at the age of 19.

His daughter has taken a little longer to break through but her father could not be prouder.

“It was unreal,’’ he said.

Jordan Mercer with her father Darren when she was eight years old.

“I never thought (when she was born she would go on to become a series winner). She got dragged around enough of the carnivals, so she knows what she’s got to do.

“It is a proud moment. Even for my father and my brother, Dean called me (on Saturday) night to wish her all the best.

“It’s been in our blood for so many years and now for Jordan to come though, it’s a dream.’’

Darren Mercer was in a tough position as coach – not only to Jordan but Higgison as well.

“It was tough for me, I was in a win-win situation, I won either way but it’s such a shame that someone had to come second,’’ he said.

“For me, it was just unbelievable and for Jordan to come through and win the last race, it was unreal.

“I just had to keep it neutral and keep my coach’s hat on and that’s what I had to do, there was no other way.

“I think that was the only thing that got me though.

“They work well as a team and they are just beautiful girls, they’re fierce competitors but such loving kids outside of that.’’

Higgison was far from disappointed at finishing second in her maiden series.

“I could not be happier,’’ she said.

“To come away with three wins this season is unbelievable, I could not be happier.’’