JORDAN MERCER HAS COOLANGATTA GOLD IN HER BLOOD

October 15: The Coolangatta Gold has been synonymous with the Mercer family since Darren Mercer first dueled with eventual winner Michael King in 1991, eventually winning the famed race in 1992, which saw little brother Dean finish third.

Dean returned in 2005 and has not missed a race since, again finishing third, this time to Zane Holmes in 2006 before his best ever result, second to Caine Eckstein, who clocked a race record of 4 hours 00.51 in 2009.

Last year also saw Darren Mercer return to the race as the ski paddler in a Mixed team that featured his board-paddling daughter Jordan, the 2009 Female Competitor of the Australian Championships.

But this year Jordan, at 16, will contest the open women's race - the youngest in the field.

On his neice Jordan, Dean Mercer said: "I'm sure Jordan is well educated by her dad (Darren). She's her own star, she's certainly got the genetics that her dad's got. She looks every bit like Darren did when he was paddling.

"She's very much in her early stages and she'll find her own ground. It's going to be a wonderful learning experience for her and in the year's to come and this year. She'll certainly be one to watch.

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"She'll gain experience from every race she does and get better and better. I can only see that happening.

"This epitomises what ironman racing's all about. It's about sheer guts and determination and pure physical ability. I've got such respect for this event."

Jordan admitted she had waited a long time for this moment.

"I've been beside Dean, handling for him every time in this race. I know the coastline just a well as he does I think.

"I just think the Coolangatta Gold is so much more than just a race to the Mercers.

"I think it's part of us. It's so true what Dean says, it epitomises what a true Ironman is or what a real Ironwoman is.

"I just can't wait to get out there and see how it all goes."

When asked when she first became aware of the Coolangatta Gold Jordan said: "In think when you are born a Mercer it's in your blood.

"But I have seen the movie and knowing Dad did win the Gold in 1992 and Dean has finished in each and every position bar one, so this year I think maybe something special might be going to happen. I'll have a chat to Caine for you Dean, don't worry.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to doing this race and now having the chance to do it, I've put in everything I can for the preparation and I'll see how it all pans out. I'm really excited."