Wright finished second to Eckstein, the reigning Australian champion, at the recent Maroochy Classic.

Wright, who now competes for the Alexandra Headlands Surf Club, won the under 19 ironman, before backing-up just 20 minutes later, for the open men's race, finishing ahead of club mate Cam Cole.

Nine-time Ironman Series champion Eckstein said he was greatly impressed with Wright's performance.

"He was pretty dominant in the under 19 ironman and then to step up and finish second in the open is a great job," Eckstein told to the Sunshine Coast Daily.

"Not many 19-year-olds can do that so he is going really well."

Wright showed great stamina in recovering from his under 19 win, illustrating what great physical condition he is in.

"I was just going as hard as I could and I actually felt pretty good racing compared to the 19s, " Wright told to the Sunshine Coast Daily.

"I thought I was going to struggle to be honest but maybe that helped me with no pressure."

Wright, the current under 19 Coolangatta Gold champion, said this performance gave him confidence in his quest to secure a place in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series.

"It was great to go around with the big boys...everyone coming through is so good, now going forward to try and make the series,’” he said.

"Hopefully by Aussies, I will be peaking."