Two-time Australian Ironwoman champion Kristyl Smith withdraws from competition

Added by Pat Williams on December 3, 2012

After 14 years of competition, superstar Kristyl Smith is taking a much-needed break from the
IronWoman Series, announcing she will not be competing in the 2012-2013 events.

Ms Smith boasts seven individual world championship gold medals, she is the 2005 and 2009
Australian IronWoman Champion, and has been runner up in the series six times.

The 29-year-old warned competitors not to get too comfortable with her absence.

“This is definitely not a retirement,” Ms Smith said.

“I still have the fire in my belly to race, but looking at my longevity in the sport, I need to take this time out now to refresh my mind and body.

“I will still be competing in state, Aussies, and local carnivals for my surf club BMD Northcliffe.

“It was a very hard decision to make because I have been involved in the series for 14 years, and I’m sure it will be difficult to watch each of the rounds. However, I’m looking forward to being on the other side and watching all the action from the beach,” she said.

When asked how she plans to pass the time, Ms Smith replied, “I’m looking forward to the time off. This will be the first summer I’ve had off racing in the series since I was 15-years-old, so I have a few trips planned and hopefully I can get some waves and just relax for a few months.”

IronWoman Series director Guy Leech was sensitive to Ms Smith’s personal wishes.

“It’s a shame Kristyl will be absent from the water this summer, but we wish her well and hope to see her back for a triumphant return next series,” he said.

Featuring the best athletes across Australia, the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronMan Series and
IronWoman Series is considered the pinnacle event on the Surf Life Saving and sporting events
calendar. The series has been running for almost 30 years.

For more information visit www.surfironmanseries.com