Ironman Ready to Defend his Title at Arafura Games 2009

Thu, May 14 2009

The present Arafura Games ironman, Jake Nicholson says he is ready to defend his title on Saturday following intensive preparation in Darwin this week.

Nicholson was first across the line in today’s Men’s Open Teams event in International Lifesaving at the Wave Lagoon. The 16-year-old student from Henley High School, Adelaide, finished strongly in a gruelling race over about 180 metres.

He said he was looking forward very much to defending his ironman title. “I spend hours swimming in open water and the pool and I’ve taken part in beach and novelty events in the past few days. Tonight I will be competing in sprints at Mindil Beach.”

Nicholson, a member of Grange Surf club, took part in the team’s event as a member of the winning Australian Junior Barras squad.

Fellow South Australian, Stephanie Ballantine, aged 19, came home first in the Women’s Open Teams event, also swimming for the Australian Junior Squad.

The Flinders University student, who is a member of West Beach Surf Club, described the swim as “definitely challenging.” Despite her efforts, Queensland Country swimmers finished 2nd, 4th and 6th to win the event.

The CEO of NT Lifesaving, Tony Snelling, said conditions in the Wave Lagoon were very trying. “Short waves hit the swimmers every three seconds and were difficult to handle. It was tough going, especially for the teams from Hong Kong and Singapore.”

Results Men’s Open Teams Event Final
1st Australian Junior Barras Squad
2nd Queensland Country
3rd Northern Territory

Results Women’s Open Teams Event Final
1st Queensland Country
2nd South Australia
3rd Australian Junior Barras Squad

For more information go to www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au.

Gail Liston (08) 8920 5536 or 0407 207 335.