Nutri-Grain iron series favourite Georgia Miller on retirement and rivals, 2023/24 surf dates

She’s spent almost as much time recovering from injury and illness as she has racing the last few years. So just how long can surf ironwoman Georgia Miller keep on competing?

Georgia Miller is chasing her third Nutri-Grain iron win this season

For the last the past few years Georgia Miller has been an accident waiting for a place to happen - and finding plenty of these places.

Heart issues, accidents in the surf, a broken back, a 10cm hamstring tear and severe infection - the list is long, painful and a reminder of frustrating times.

But loathe to have her career ended by injury, the champion surf life saver has continued to fight back from illness and injuries which have resulted in multiple hospital visits and would have stopped other athletes in their tracks.

And with a looming wedding to long-time partner and Paris Olympic kayak hopeful Riley Fitzsimmons, could have been forgiven for calling it quits early.

But that’s not happening - yet.

EARLY SYDNEY-HOBART FORM GUIDE WRITTEN

Georgia Miller celebrates winning round five of the last series at Kurrawa Beach in February.

“I think I’ll know when I’m ready and I’m not. I’m not putting any time line on finishing,’’ Miller said ahead of the opening round of the 2022/23 Nutri-Grain iron series just minute form where she grew up at Manly Beach later this month.

“I have a few things I want to tick off and you only get to be an athlete once.

“I’ll see how I go after this season. I haven’t made a decision yet and I’ll make it on my own terms.”

Georgia Miller celebrates with mates on the beach.

One of the things on her to do list is winning a third Nutri-Grain series after claiming the title last year before fractures in her back ruled her out of the Australian championships and also back in 2018/2019.

This will be her ninth season in the surf competition which attracts the elite male and female competitors in iron racing, alogn with the rising stars of the sport.

With her fiance after breaking her back. Picture: Instagram

Being treated after being hit in the back by a ski while training. Picture: Instagram

“I started when I was 18 and I can’t believe how long ago that was. It feels like yesterday,” Miller said.

“I actually had a great first season. I won a round and I ended up finishing fourth overall.

“To think back to then now when I was so young and naive, I thought it was the be all and end all if I didn’t go well.

“Now I’m just trying to enjoy myself as much as possible because who knows how much longer you get to do this.”

Georgia Miller is favourite heading into the Nutri-Grian series.

Miller and Fitzsimmons will be married in October post the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The kayaking team has yet to be confirmed but Fitzsimmons, one of the elder statesmen of kayaking after appearances in Rio and Tokyo, is a leading contender to make the team.

Miller is excited to be returning to Manly beach for the opening rounds on December 16 and 17 having training and competed for the famous club at one stage and growing g up at Freshwater.

She has identified the likes of multiple champion Lana Rogers as one of the women to beat.

“You have to say Lana after she won the Coolangatta Gold. She is super fit,’’ Miller said.,

2023/24 NUTRI-GRAIN IRONMAN AND IRONWOMAN SERIES

Round 1: December 16 2023, Manly Beach (Sydney)

Round 2: December 17, 2023, Manly Beach (Sydney)

Round 3: January 13, 2024, Maroubra Beach (Sydney)

Round 4: January 14, 2024, Maroubra Beach (Sydney)

Round 5: February 3, 2024, Kurrawa Beach (Gold Coast)

Round 6: February 4, 2024 | Kurrawa Beach (Gold Coast)

Originally published as Nutri-Grain iron series favourite Georgia Miller on retirement and rivals, 2023/24 surf dates