Ivy Halliwel was among the top performing local athletes, pulling out an incredible performance to upset some of her more fancied rivals in the girls under 14 event. Bulli’s Chelsea Jones and Warilla-Barack Point’s Tylah Richards were second and third. 

In other divisions, Warilla-Barrack Point’s Storm Balmain won the under 11 boys race, emerging Bulli talent Grace Crittenden claimed the under 12 girls and Bailey Krstevski, of Warilla-Barrack Point took out the under 15 boys event.

Event coordinator Craig Burke, said the level of competition was extremely high across all age groups, and he was pleased to see the home athletes thriving against some talented competitors. 

“It was a really high quality event,” Burke said. “We had the Morris boys from Newport, two youth Australian champions, take out the under 14 boys. Two young girls came all the way from Mordialloc in Victoria, with Paige Holt winning the under 13 girls. 

“The young boys and girls from Warilla-Barrack Point were fantastic as well. Ivy Halliwel had the best race of her life to take out the under 14 girls. The local knowledge definitely helped her, she knew where to come back in. All the Warilla kids excelled, we’re so proud of their efforts.”

Set up to provide athletes with the opportunity to compete in an official long-course iron person competition, the first edition of the event was hailed a success by organisers and attendees. 

Burke said he has received plenty of positive feedback and he’s looking forward to seeing the Summer Iron Classic continue to grow in 2019 and beyond. 

“The club couldn’t be happier about the way it panned out. We’ve had a few emails saying it was a fantastic carnival, and a lot of people have been pleased to see a proper long-course iron person race. The M-shaped course was definitely a success and we’re looking forward to further growth.”