Torquay juniors claim Iron Series berths

TORQUAY’S Grace Harris and Sean Rielly will make their return to the Iron Series field after it was announced last week the reigning Jim Wall Iron champion and former Torquay junior would feature in the coming season.

Harris joins 2023 Jim Wall Iron champion and Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) representative Mia Cook, Rielly, Brayden Casamento, and Tex Dixon as Victorian representatives who have qualified for the prestigious series. Harris is based at Alexandra Headland SLSC where she trains alongside some of the country’s best beach athletes. “Grace and Sean have showcased incredible commitment, learning their lifesaving skills in Victoria and moving to a Queensland club to reach this milestone,” Life Saving Victoria stated.

“Their achievements are a testament to the strength of Victoria’s lifesaving community.”

Harris featured in the Ironwoman Series in 2022-23 before just missing the cut in 2023-24.

Rielly, a junior at Torquay SLSC before he headed to Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park, was determined to make it to the final field ahead of the Iron Series Trials event earlier this month.

 

“Last night I really focused on recovery, fuel and having an ice bath, and now we can have a bit of a celebration tonight, before we get back into training, and get ready for the triple Iron at Wanda,” Rielly said following the trials.

Torquay SLSC competitions director Matt Henderson said the club was extremely stoked for the pair’s achievements, which continued to set a standard for its junior athletes.

“The surf club and its members are extremely proud of Grace and Sean for making the series, it’s a significant achievement, it allows them to compete with the top surf sport athletes in the country on a regular basis.

“It’s a reflection on their hard work, dedication and commitment to surf sports and lifesaving.”

The 2024/25 season starts on December 14 when Round 1 takes place in Wanda, New South Wales.