Aussies 2024: iron history on line for Ali Day, Georgia Miller at Australian surf life saving titles
They win so much that it’s only when they don’t that it causes a stir. But Georgia Miller and Ali Day are now on course for a special place in history at the Aussies surf life saving titles.
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They win so much that it’s only when they don’t that it causes a stir but now Georgia Miller and Ali Day are on course for a special place in history at the Aussies surf life saving titles.
Day is bidding to match the record of the great Grant Kenny and Ky Hurst in winning four consecutive iron titles at an Australian championships.
Miller is chasing her fourth crown - not consecutive - a feat never achieved by a woman in the elite ranks since the start of ironwoman competition at the Australian championships back in 1991/92 when Sam O’Brien won the inaugural title.
Day finally broke through for his first Aussie iron gold in 20/21 with this competition starting back in 1965/66 and won by Hayden Kenny, the father of Grant.
Grant Kenny, who was also an Olympic kayaker, won his four consecutive between 1979/80 and 1982/83.
Hurst, who also competed in Olympic open water, won his fourth straight between 1998/99 and 2001/02.
For Day, returning to the Sunshine Coast for a shot at his fourth is extra special as the Surfers Paradise gun won his first crown on the same beach at Maroochydore where the weekend racing will be contested.
“And for me, having my new son there as well will be extra special,’’ said Day, whose wife Kel will be bringing son Danny, 3, and newborn Andy up from their Gold Coast home to watch him race on Sunday.
“This will be the first time I’m racing as a father of two and that’s really special for me because I don’t know how many more I will get to do even though I’m looking to definitely race next year,’’
“It would incredible actually, to do it in front of my sons.’’
Day, whose brother Blair won his first ever Aussies gold in the swim at the Masters competition, said it will take a lot to beat the feeling of his first Aussies ironman win on the Sunshine Coast back in 2021
“It finally go the monkey off my back,’’ said day, who grew up at Kiama and race for Warilla Barracks before moving up to Queensland for his surf career.
“I still remember talking before hand, saying, I just need to win one, I just need to win one. It really took the pressure off.’’
Day has earmarked the likes of Ben Carberry, Joe Collins, Kendrick Louis and Matt Bevilacqua as the men he expects to be firing on Sunday in the iron finale.
Miller is hoping to continue a year to remember with victory in the ironwoman after being beaten for the titles by Northcliffe teammates Naomi Scott.
Miller, who is attending the Paris Olympics in July/August to watch fiancee and kayaker Riley Fitzsimmons in the K4, is also planning to race at the worlds for her Northcliffe club while also planning their October wedding.
“It's crazy busy but I can say for once, there’s been no real drama in the lead-up to this Aussies which is very exciting,’’ said Miller who has had a series of injuries, mishaps and illness in recent times which have hindered her racing on and off.
“I just can’t wait to race.
“It would be insane (if she won a fourth crown) but I’m not thinking about that yet. There’s too much that can happen in the next few days.’’
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Originally published as Aussies 2024: iron history on line for Ali Day, Georgia Miller at Australian surf life saving titles
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