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Lots of focus on the male rugby teams down in the Southern Hemisphere this month and while reading the Aussie papers for news of their reaction to the Irish win (see how I got that in there), an interview with Ironwoman Courtney Hancock scrolled-up.

Ironwoman Courtney Hancock AUS

The Coolangatta Gold takes place this weekend in Queensland, Australia. Having twice finished in the top three, Hancock is going all out this year. The race - 46 kms of ocean swim, surf-ski, and board paddle broken up by three runs - is the longest of its kind in the world. Competitors can also go for what's described as "the short run" at just 30.5 kms.

Hancock, 23, describes the respect she has for this race, compared to other Ironwoman events.

"The Coolangatta Gold takes 3½ hours - and it can feel like a lifetime. Grandfather's notion of an inner belief is crucial when you stand on the line and wait for the race to start. I don't know how anyone could compete if they had any doubt about their preparation or training. Confidence in sport comes from ticking all the boxes, and then doing more."

Read the full interview

Another article focused on how she gave up a vegetarian lifestyle three years ago for her sport. You do hear of veggie Olympians and other elite athletes, but it must be difficult to get that much protein in from soy especially for events like this.




Courtney Hancock AUS

And like many water-sports fans, she's involved with an eco-group working to protect whales and dolphins. The "Get wet for whales' initiative helps fund research through sponsored sports-events. You can read more about that on Hancock's website here.

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