Geelong, VIC hosts the first Ironman 70.3 of 2017 and South Australians are lining up against Australia’s best.

In the Pro Field, South Australians Steve McKenna is having a strong summer and is excited to be lining up in the professional ranks.

“I’m really excited to be racing the pro field. Coach Matty White has had me focusing on recovery for the past three weeks and after Kingston I’m feeling good for this weekend. I’m aiming for under 4 hours and top 15 overall. If I can find good feet in the swim, I’ll come out in a good spot and then have a good field to work in.”

Former South Australian Sarah Crowley who nabbed first at Hell of the West a couple of weeks ago faces a strong field of athletes, as does newly Queensland resident Ryan Waddington who joins McKenna in the large pro field against athletes including Josh Amberger, Jake Montgomery, Sam Appleton Tim Van Berkel and Casey Munro.  

For the approximately 1,300 age group athletes, there are 30 qualifying spots for Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga in September 2017. South Australia has a large contingent including Lakers member Mish Sandry who’s overcome massive hurdles just to make this weekend’s start line. Competing in her first 70.3 race since major knee injury a year ago has required 9 months of rehabilitation and then rebuilding fitness in time for this weekend’s event.

Sandry says “My injuries are mended but still cause me grief on the occasion... I've learnt that as an athlete, injuries will always be present- that's a given so it's really about injury management. Looking after your body, respecting your boundaries until you're confident in your ability to step up.

But most of all.... enjoying the journey as it unfolds for you.

It's an amazing sport that teaches you a lot about yourself; about your strengths and weaknesses and to accept change and how move forward from the negatives. I feel so lucky that I can compete in Triathlon. I definitely feel its help to build me as a person.”

For all the Race day coverage and live tracking go to www.ironman.com