“I cannot believe I won - I just wanted to re-qualify,” she said.

“My goal was to be in the top eight or maybe top 10, so to come away with a win today is fantastic and unexpected.” 

Coming in just behind Higgison was Harriet Brown in second and Sunshine Coast local Jordan Mercer in third.

Jordan Mercer looked in fine form and was a stand out performer in this race, just losing the lead in the final swim leg.

“It was disappointing to lose the lead in the final leg but I felt great and am ready for a good season,” Mercer said.

“It’s a pretty sweet day to come third to Kirsty Higginson.

“It’s been a blessing to have her as a training partner.”

Former Shoalhaven product Wes Berg placed ninth in the men’s event.​

Round two will be held at Coolum Beach tomorrow, Sunday 29 November, with the IronWoman race starting at 10.30am followed by the IronMan Race.

The full results for today’s IronWoman Race (round 1) are as follows:

1 Kirsty Higgison

2 Harriet Brown

3 Jordan Mercer

4 Brodie Moir

5 Liz Pluimers

6 Maddy Dunn

7 Karlee Nurthen

8 Kristyl Smith

9 Ella Brown

10 Georgia Miller

11 Courtney Hancock

12 Rebecca Creedy

13 Tiarrn Raymond 

14 Tara Coleman

15 Amy Nurthen

16 Danielle Mackenzie

17 Lizzie Welborn

18 Eliza Smith