Torquay local secures Ironwoman spot with absolute grace

ONE of Torquay SLSC’s former guns will soon earn the right to call herself an Ironwoman at next month’s first and second rounds of the Ironwoman series from December 17-18 in Manly, the first Victorian to do so in 14 years.

Grace Harris, now based at Alexandra Headland SLSC, secured one of two women’s wildcard spots at the event trials a fortnight ago, confirming the final field of 20 ironmen and 20 ironwomen.

The 21-year-old will join 40 of the fittest and fastest athletes from across the country spanned over three of Australia’s most iconic beaches in the six-round Series.

In Harris’ application to the wildcard spot, she said her admittance to the Nutri Grain Series would provide terrific exposure to lifesaving in her home state.

“I strongly believe my inclusion into the Nutri Grain Series will significantly promote surf lifesaving and the series in my home state of Victoria,” Harris said.

“I have deep lifelong connections in my hometown of Torquay and by extension surf lifesaving in Victoria.

“It has always been my dream to compete alongside the best surf sports athletes in Australia.

“As a young Nipper, my dream was always to become a Ironwoman as I made this promise as a young year 6 student when asked to write down what my future goals in life will be.”

Harris continues to contribute to Victoria having recently assisted and been involved in coaching and mentoring over 200 nipper and youth members of Mornington, Torquay, Point Leo and Anglesea throughout training camps held on the Sunshine Coast during the September School Holiday Period.

She typically spends between two and three weeks home at Torquay over the Christmas and New Year Period where she joins her twin brother Ben and sister Milly in scheduled club training, patrolling and junior/Nipper mentoring at her home club.

Harris has a long history with Torquay SLSC, beginning as a Nipper at the Under 10 level. But according to the club’s competitions director Peter Quinlan, there is no one more deserving of the wildcard spot.

“She’s hard-working and self-driven, and quite frankly she’s on a mission,” Quinlan said.

“Grace is a very quietly spoken athlete, she doesn’t beat her own drum and she just lets her actions in the water do all the talking.

“That’s what has happened here and it’s a pleasure to see such a pleasurable person from a great family achieve what has been a lifelong goal.”

The Nutri-Grain Series’ third and fourth rounds will be raced on the sands of Maroubra Beach, from January 14-15 next year followed by the final two rounds on the Gold Coast’s Kurrawa Beach held on February 4-5.

The 2022/23 Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series will be broadcast live on SBS and Fox Sports.