Sheer guts and determination have delivered Courtney Hancock the 2014 Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series crown in volatile surf at Coolum Beach today.

Due to challenging surf and wind conditions, and a long surf break, the women’s race format was changed from a three round eliminator to a two round eliminator, delivering high drama on the beach.

In a near upset, Hancock came close to missing her spot in the final eliminator, clawing her way into 10th and last qualifying spot, with an incredible swim leg in the second eliminator.

“I just scraped in; you really had to be on your game today but I always had confidence in my ability”, said Hancock. “I took the wrong alley, I was a minute twenty down but I knew I could catch it.”

In a heroic performance, the reigning Series champion trailed race leaders Maddy Dunn and Harriet Brown, who took out first and second respectively, to secure third place after battling monstrous waves.

“It was the last race of the year and I just gave it my all. I nearly came off my ski multiple times but I just hung on with two fingers, there was still always hope and I never gave up” said Hancock.

Brown led for most of the final race with a superb show of surf tactics, with Dunn reeling her in to secure the race win after putting in an impressive beach sprint to cross the line in front.

“Today was about requalifying not about the race win”, said Dunn. “I wanted to make the top six and to get the win was a bonus.”

“This year I have been training with Courtney Hancock and that has been the difference; as a mentor and now Series champion.”

Series runner up Liz Pluimers finished 5th in the final race ahead of Series 3rd place getter Kristyl Smith.

Pluimers capped off an incredible comeback year with a solid performance across the six race Series, battling it out with Hancock and Smith in an awesome display of athleticism and tactical racing.

“It was a tough day at the office in really testing conditions and I guess it just wasn’t my day.”

“Having the year off last year my goal was to win but coming runner up makes me hungry for more and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series – Round 6 place
1. Maddy Dunn
2. Harriet Brown
3. Courtney Hancock
4. Emma Dick
5. Amy Nurthen
6. Elizabeth Pluimers
7. Kristyl Smith
8. Hannah Minogue
9. Rebecca Creedy
10. Devon Halligan
11. Kirsty Higgison
12. Tara Coleman
13. Brodie Moir
14. Jordan Mercer
15. Alyssa Bull
16. Alyce Bennett

Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series – Series Ranking
1. Courtney Hancock
2. Liz Pluimers
3. Kristyl Smith
4. Maddy Dunn
5. Rebecca Creedy
6. Amy Nurthen
7. Harriet Brown
8. Jordan Mercer
9. Hannah Minogue
10. Emma Dick
11. Tara Coleman
12. Alyssa Bull
13. Devon Halligan
14. Brodie Moir
15. Alyce Bennett
16. Bonnie Hancock
17. Kirsty Higgison