SIBLING duo Finn and Harry Askew are working towards a common goal as they share a dream to compete in Australia’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Finn competes for Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club, while Harry competes for Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club.
The two dedicate almost everyday towards achieving their objective as they rise early in the morning to train at Hudson’s Swim and Fitness and return after school to repeat the process.
The rigorous training regime rounded the edges of an already talented pairing who both had starred at the start of the year.
On that occasion at South West Rocks, Finn won the under-15 Ironman, while his younger brother performed strongly in the under-11 event.
16-year-old Finn’s progression through the ranks continued recently when he competed in a full Ironman event and gruelled his way through the Coolangatta Gold.
The event requires people to be at least 16-years-old and fortunately Finn celebrated his birthday a day earlier and was eligible to participate.
It was tough, the hardest leg was the board, I was cramping in my legs and arms.
- Finn Askew
The event has made a name for itself as one of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports.
It consists of an 11-kilometre ski paddle, three kilometre swim, four kilometre board paddle and a five and a half kilometre sand run to the finish.
“It was tough, the hardest leg was the board, I was cramping in my legs and arms,” Finn said.
“I thought back to the five months of training I had put into the event and it pushed me to keep going.”
Finn’s preparation was plagued by illness but he still managed to finish the race.
“I think I did pretty good, I was sick leading up to it so I was happy with how I went,” Finn said.
He was joined in the race by his trainer Tony Hudson.
“Finn did great for his age; he will continue to get better as he gets older,” Hudson said.
If they continue on this path then I’m not going to back against them achieving their dreams.
- Trainer Tony Hudson
“Ironman is a sport where you don’t hit your peak until you’re about 28.”
12-year-old Harry competed in the Youth Challenge and Hudson believes the two have a bright future ahead.
“They are both very dedicated, train hard and they want to do it which is the most important part,” Hudson said.
“If they continue on this path then I’m not going to back against them achieving their dreams.”
The brothers are excited for the upcoming Surf Life Saving season.
They are hopeful of achieving first place finishes at the NSW Country Championships which will be held at South West Rocks in February next year.
Harry looked to improve his results from the 2016 country championships when he won the swim and board legs, but missed out in the flags and the sprints.