Former Kiama Nipper and 11-time Coolangatta Gold winner Ali Day currently leads the Shaw and Partners Iron Series heading into the final round of the competition.

The Shaw and Partners Iron Series is a gruelling four-round competition that brings together the fittest and strongest surf athletes in the country, all competing for the top prize.

The series began with the 2025 Coolangatta Gold, which the 35-year-old Day won. Round two was then held in Newcastle on December 13 and 14, where Day got off to a strong start.

Ali’s father, Ross Day, explained that the Newcastle round featured three races on each day. Day one consisted of three super sprint races, with Ali finishing second in the final, behind Callum Brennan.

“On day two,” Ross said, “the races took the format of an eliminator. In the first race, 28 competitors started, with the last six eliminated.”

“Race two saw 22 start, and again the last six were eliminated. The third and final race was contested by 16 competitors, with Ali winning that one.”

Ali, who has won the series five times, was ecstatic to secure the day-two victory, propelling himself to the top of the points leaderboard.

“To get it done today is special. I was annoyed yesterday when I crossed the line in second place, but at the same time I was so happy for CJ [Brennan],” Day said.

“I knew going into today it was going to be hard, but the conditions suited me. They were kind of flat and you’ve got to work for it. I felt that as each Ironman race went on, I got a little bit better and better. When the opportunity came knocking, I just grabbed it with both hands.

“The feeling of knowing it’s my last year, I have no regrets. I wanted this one today and I’m happy to come away with the win,” he said.

After a long break, the next round of the competition was held last week on January 10 and 11.

With Day clear at the top of the leaderboard, he didn’t need to do much to maintain his position and did not place in the various races on day one.

However, during Sunday’s Ironman eliminators, he claimed victory in the first of three races and finished fifth in the final.

Despite not achieving the results he may have hoped for, Day remains at the top of the points leaderboard, now equal first with Ethan Callaghan.

The series will be decided on the final weekend in Miami, Queensland, on January 31 and February 1. Day one will feature three Iron Sprint races, with the top 12 athletes progressing to the grand eliminator on Sunday.

The grand eliminator will consist of three Ironman races, starting with the final 12 competitors. After each race, the last two finishers will be eliminated, with the series winner crowned at the conclusion.

With everything on the line in the final round, Day will be chasing one last statement in an extremely impressive career.