Smith Wins Coolangatta Gold Ironwoman

In a drama filled Coolangatta Gold Ironwoman race, NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Jemma Smith has been crowned the new champion after heavy favourite Lana Rogers was forced to withdraw 40 minutes into the opening ski leg.

For Smith, who comes from Sydney’s Newport Club, it was the redemption story she had been chasing, having led throughout the 2019 Coolangatta Gold only to be overtaken by Rogers in the dying stages of the final run leg.

Smith took control of today’s race from the outset, delivering a dominant performance throughout each stage, finishing an impressive 6 minutes ahead of Lucy Derbyshire (Surfers Paradise) in second and 17 minutes ahead of Tiarnee Massie (Maroochydore) in third place.

The 25 year old, who hails from New South Wales Central Coast, said today’s win was made extra special being able to share it with Ali Day who she has admired as a competitor and person for such a long time.

“That’s incredible, to be able to finish that, see that [finish] banner and be able to take it.

I’ve been so incredibly lucky to be able to have a big six month block leading into this race with the support of Newport Surf Club,” said Smith.

“I just tried to keep focusing on me. I knew that if I got too caught up with where everyone was, that’s when you start to lose focus. I just really pushed the pace as much as I could.

“I think in 2019 it was so unknown for me. I’d never done it before and it was such a competitive field. To be right up the top of that field, right up until literally the last couple of metres was something I was really proud of but it definitely lit the fire in me to come back one day.

“My athletic journey went a different way the last couple of years, focusing more on paddling. But I made the decision six months ago to try and come back into this field and put together a race I knew I was capable of. So to get that win today is absolutely incredible.

“Ali has been such a source of inspiration for me, not only the athletic feats that he’s been able to set the bar so high. But the incredible person that he is and a role model. That’s something that I really try to emulate and take a lot away from.

“To be able to stand atop of the podium today, with Ali getting his tenth, is just insane. It’s so special to be able to do this alongside an amazing human being,” she said.

The 2024 Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold celebrated 40 years since the first event was staged as part of the movie of the same name.  The event that launched the career of Ironmen legends such as Guy Leech, Michael King and Darren Mercer, has now grown to include Ironwomen, masters and youth competitions.

Article and image courtesy of Surf Life Saving Australia