Vernon and Cook reign supreme at bumper Jim Wall

Surfers Paradise SLSC representative and former Torquay SLSC Nipper Archie Vernon was a class above the rest and Warrnambool SLSC's Mia Cook survived a close finish, as both athletes won at the 62nd running of the Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Iron in Torquay. See more on page 10. Photos: PETER MARSHALL

ONE of Torquay’s own will etch his name on the coveted Jim Wall Iron trophy, while a Warrnambool athlete edged out the field in a dramatic finish in the open women’s category.

Surfers Paradise SLSC athlete and former Torquay Nipper Archie Vernon and Warrnambool SLSC’s Mia Cook were crowned Jim Wall Iron winners on Sunday as Torquay Surf Beach was packed from end to end for the 62nd running of the Jim Wall Iron, reminiscent of turnouts in years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Archie Vernon leads the pack during one of the eliminators in the open men’s field.

Vernon added to his summer of dominance following wins at the Rip View Swim Classic and the Danger 1000 in the preceding days, and enjoyed the final moments of his dominant Jim Wall Iron run.

Torquay Surf Beach was lined with boards, skis and athletes.

Last year’s runner-up to Matt Gilling, Vernon said winning the Jim Wall was a lifelong goal of his.

U15 male Iron podium left to right Charlie Farrell (Point Leo), Will Newton (Lorne) and Oscar Keehan (Point Leo).

“It’s pretty weird actually, I remember the first time I watched the Jim Wall when I was eight or nine fanboying Ali Day, who I now train with, and after I got his goggles, I was frothing, so to win one myself is pretty surreal.

U15 female Iron podium left to right Katie Govett-Page (Mentone), Sophie Jacka (Portsea) and Sophie Moreton (Mornington).

“It means a lot, really, it’s the one event I really wanted to win. It’s a sick event.”

Cook beat out Newport Beach’s Piper Harrison in a dash on the sand, creating for a thrilling finish in the open female Iron final.

Mia Cook post-finish realising she won the historic Jim Wall Iron.

Portsea SLSC’s Sophie Jacka and Lorne’s Will Newton secured the Under 15 Iron races, while Anglesea SLSC’s Summer Morgan and Williamstown S&LC’s Noah Chappell were crowned champions of the Under 13 division.