IRONMAN MELBOURNE

A few months ago I wrote a blog about World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) neglect of Ironman events in Australia. Both Ironman Australia in Port Macquaire and Ironman Western Australia in Bussleton were awarded less Kona age group slots each year and less prize money to the professionals ultimately making it less appealing for the best to race. The writing was on the wall that Kona may forever be an elusive dream for the age group athletes and the pro's were having to take their racing abroad to make a crust. Ironman was on the rocks in my home country and something had to be done.

The recent announcement of Ironman Melbourne is a massive win for all Aussies (both age group and professional) and I thank WTC for awarding our country with this much needed race. It is going to breathe new life into Ironman racing in Oz. Amateurs now have a more realistic shot at qualifying for Kona and we will see the return of the worlds best athletes to our shores.

Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia and it's going to be a huge boost to the exposure of Ironman racing to the Aussie public. Given the success of the inaugural Challenge Cairns and several Ironman 70.3 events coming to life the future is looking brighter than ever for long distance athletes in Australia. Exciting times!