Familiar faces claim Jim Wall Iron event

MATT Gilling and Harriet Brown reigned supreme in this year’s open Jim Wall Iron event on Saturday at Torquay.

Gilling, who is an Ocean Grove and Torquay training member, reacquainted himself with the winner’s title after the Burleigh Heads athlete claimed the title in 2019.

Brown, a World Ironwoman Champion, also added to her Jim Wall tally, having won the first two female events in 2014 and 2015.

From a local perspective, Torquay’s Campbell Bohan finished third in the open male Jim Wall Iron event.

Bohan also claimed the male ski event.

Continuing the Torquay flavour, Jayden Schram won the open male board event while Ocean Grove’s Jesse Coulson won the open male surf race/dash for cash.

Torquay also won the open male board relay, Ocean Grove finished third in both the male and female events.

193 competitors took part in the Jim Wall across under-13, under-15, under-17 and open events.

The order of disciplines was run, ski, swim and paddle, which is determined on the day based on conditions.

The event saw a great fundraising result for Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, which will be put towards Lifesaving Patrols.

Former winners were in attendance, including 13-time champion David Strahan as well as Terry Wall, son of Jim, who presented the trophies to the winners.

Torquay Surf Life Saving Club worked closely with Life Saving Victoria to deliver a COVIDSafe event, with designated areas and QR code scanning taking place.

The Surf Coast Times was the major sponsor of the event, along with RipCurl, Corks Crew, Kieser, Surf Coast Deals, World Paddle, Aussie BBQ Cleaning and Urban Elements Landscapes.