Crazy John's State Championships
2010 Crazy John's State Championships the biggest event yet!
A record 2300 U15 to masters competitors hit the waves at Kurrawa for the 2010 Crazy John's Queensland Life Saving Championships from March 5-7. Athletes converged on the Gold Coast from as far north as Ellis Beach to compete in board races, ski races, beach events, surf boats, R&R, belt races, surf races, ironperson and the iconic surf lifesaving event, the march past.
It was almost a Sunshine Coast whitewash in the Open male ironman on the final day as Corey Jones (Met Caloundra) broke the Gold Coast’s stranglehold on the event.
Fellow Sunshine Coast ironman Matt Poole clinched silver but the closest race of the day was a sprint to the finish between third place getter Jarrod Cain (Cudgen Headland) and Dicky Beach’s Rhys Drury.
After sitting behind the leaders heading into the final swim leg, Jones commanded a convincing win after a lucky wave saw him surge to the front of the pack .
“I was stoked to make it, there was a bit of a wave coming in on the swim and I just body surfed my way to the front, it was good to come here and take number one,” he said.
“I haven’t had the best run with sprint finishes before, I don’t think I’ve ever won one, so it was good to have a couple of metres lead on him (Matt Poole).”
“I’ve got a bit of bragging rights at training now with all the young fellas, they give me stick for not winning anything, I finally won something so it’ll be a good week at training.”
Courtney Hancock (Northcliffe) took out the women’s event for a second year, ahead of the Sunshine Coast’s Rebecca Creedy (Met Caloundra) and younger sister Bonnie Hancock (Northcliffe).
The 21 year old defending champ held off a late surge from Creedy in the final swim leg to repeat her 2009 success.
“I really wanted to claim that one again this year, I really just got out there and gave it my all and it was a good race between Bonnie and me so it’s good to have your sister trying to catch you,” she said.
It was Bonnie Hancock’s first year competing in the Open iron event at the state titles and sibling rivalry was put to the test as the 19 year old claimed the lead in the ski leg, before Courtney clawed her way back in the swim.
“She was in front of me a fair way there but Bonnie’s going awesome, she’s medaled in every individual event this weekend, she’s looking really good for Aussies,” Courtney said.
A slight ease in conditions made for solid day of competition to wrap up the Championships, but there were still a few thrills and spills and enough swell to test the athletes and keep the crowds on their toes.
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