One of the country's top surf lifesavers, Glenn Anderson, is the only New Zealander to make the cut for this season's Australian Ironman series starting in Queensland this month.
Anderson, the New Zealand surf ironman and surf race champion, will join the top Australians in the three-round series after a
qualifying round at Coffs Harbour.
He finished 16th of the 20 successful entrants in the qualifying round and keeps New Zealand in the popular Australian ironman scene.
"The series will be very difficult as all those who have qualified are in such great condition," Anderson said.
"We completed seven ironman races in three days at Coffs Harbour and the last race was as intense as the first.
"My aim is to make the top 10 for the final at Sydney in January. But I am expecting very close competition - any of the 20 qualifiers can win any of the races."
Anderson is thankful for the trail blazed by his close friend and mentor Cory Hutchings, who has stood down from his automatic entry into this year's series after finishing in the top 10 last season.
Hutchings has joined the commentary team for the Australian series.
"Obviously I have a lot of respect for Cory and still have the advantage of his advice," Anderson said.
"His knowledge and experience is immense, but we now can make our own mark in the sand."
The 25-year-old started his surf lifesaving competition in Gisborne and is the younger brother of World Lifesaving women's surf race champion, Rachael.
The 2004/2005 Australian ironman line-up is one of the strongest and will see multiple champion Ky Hurst fight it out against current world, Australian and Kelloggs ironman title-holder Zane Holmes.
Hurst said he was excited about returning to ironman competition, after not competing last season in order to focus on winning a place in the Australian Olympic swimming team for the 1500m freestyle.
"It's been one of the best weekends I've had in years, and it felt great to be down here with the other guys," he said.
The final of the ironman series will be held in Sydney on January 30.
