Rising New Zealand ironman star Joe Collins and veteran Kiwi ironwoman Danielle McKenzie both finished third overall after six rounds of the 2022-2023 Nutri-Grain Ironman & Ironwoman Series.
Joe Collins finished third overall in the 2022-2023 Nutri-Grain Ironman Series. Photo: Supplied
Collins delivered another consistent season and was looking in red hot form for today's decider on the Gold Coast, after yesterday winning round five.
With a solid lead heading into the final ski leg, Collins was on track to take back to back wins and potentially the overall series.
But the tricky shore at Kurrawa beach saw him hit by a wave that cost him his lead and allowed the chase pack to make their move.
"You can never be disappointed with a podium, and I'm pretty stoked to be up there. Just being in that fight for first this weekend is great, and I'm really proud of how I've improved this season," said Collins.
Fellow New Zealand Ironman Cory Taylor also delivered an impressive performance to finish 3rd today in round 6 and 4th overall in the series, meaning both men have booked a spot in the 2023-2024 series.
In the Ironwoman, fellow Kiwi Danielle McKenzie finished third today in round six, giving her the points to finish on the podium today.
"It's awesome to finish on the podium. I knew I had to finish a few points ahead of Lucy [Derbyshire] to hold that third place and I did that.
"It's pretty crazy to think this season I didn't even know if I was going to go round and do this next Nutri-Grain Series ...so to come back on top and get a couple of podiums through the season and to get third overall is something super special," McKenzie said.
Australian stars Matt Bevilacqua and Georgia Miller took the top honours.
OVERALL IRONMAN RESULTS
1. BEVILACQUA, Matt (104 points); CARBERRY, Ben (103 points); 3. COLLINS, Joe (97 points)
OVERALL IRONWOMAN RESULTS
1. MILLER, Georgia (111 points); 2. WELBORN, Lizzie (101 points); 3. MCKENZIE, Danielle (96 points)
