Ali Day shines on return from injury to qualify for ironman series
KIAMA'S Ali Day made a triumphant return to ironman racing over the weekend, as he booked his spot in the 2020-21 Nutri-Grain series.
The two-time series champion, who missed all of last season with wrist injuries, dominated the two-day qualifying event at Kingscliff.
The Surfers Paradise athlete finished the weekend as the number one qualifier after he won five of six races and finished second in his final race of the event.
"It feels so good, it almost makes you a bit emotional, to be honest," Day said.
"There were moments in the last 18 months when I didn't think I'd get back to where I once was.
"I guess that's why I put so much pressure on myself this weekend and I was almost a bit scared to tell you the truth to see how I would go."
The eight Nutri-Grain ironman qualifiers including Hayden White and Ali Day. Photo: Supplied
More than 100 athletes battled it out across six races over the two-days with the top eight finishers across males and females, earning a place in the prestigious series - set to begin on December 19 at Kingscliff.
The athletes competed across three races and formats - short and sharp (8-10 minutes), longer traditional format (12-14 minutes) and an M shape (20-25 minutes), with a progressive point score to determine the overall results and qualifiers.
Joining Day in the eight athletes qualified athletes is former clubmate and Warilla-Barrack Point product Hayden White, as well as Daniel Collins, Zach Morris, Cooper Williams, Ky Kinsela, Joe Collins and Finn Askew.
While the eight women's qualifiers, who will compete against Nowra-Culburra's Kirsty Higgison during the series, are Naomi Scott, Taylah Halliday, Emily Doyle, Carla Papac, Hannah Sculley, Madison Spencer, Emma Woods and Olivia Corrin.
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