Champion Ironmen reveal their ‘Banzai’ side

April 18, 2011, 10:39 am Gill Dear Yahoo!7

Ky Hurst and Shannon Eckstein are names synonymous with surf, sand and summer. But what about other ‘Banzai’ sports? Do they know who’s on the ASP tour? And could they finish that OTHER Ironman? Let’s see...

Champion Ironmen reveal their ‘Banzai’ side
Ocean

Read Part 1: Hurst, Eckstein and the 'epic battle'

You’re a gun at Surf Ironman, but what about the triathlon Ironman – reckon you could swim 3.8km, cycle 180km then run 42kms?

Eckstein: I hate running. I grew up doing a lot of long running and just burnt myself out. If any surf Ironman could cross over to do a full triathlon Ironman it would be my brother Caine but he would need to drop a lot of muscle first.

Hurst: It’s something I've always thought about but I take my hat off to those guys and girls who do it. It’s a huge achievement and something I wouldn't take lightly if I was to ever try and tackle that event.

Could Shannon or Ky take on champion Ironman Craig Alexander? Photo by Getty Images.

In Winter, will you be strapped to a snowboard, clicking on the skis or sticking with the surf?

Eckstein: I think I’ll be sticking to getting some waves on my surf board this winter. I do enjoy snowboarding so if I get a chance I might hit the slopes.

Hurst: At this stage I’m looking forward to a good winter of training. I would love to be able to get to the snow but I can’t see this happening until after 2012.

Can you name 3 Aussies surfers on the ASP tour (no cheating!)?

Eckstein: I could probably name 10. I’m a sports nut! Mick Fanning, Taj Burrow, Joel Parkinson.

Hurst: Yeah - Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson & Bede Durbidge

Check out Banzai's interview with Bede Durbidge

Who was your sporting idol growing up? And now?

Eckstein: I looked up to Trevor Hendy in Ironman. I’m a Broncos fan and liked Allan Langer.

Hurst: When I was young I always looked up to Kelly Slater and I still do.

Eckstein (L) and Hurst (R) with sporting idol, Trevor Hendy. (AAP Image/Hanson Media Group)

What’s your most impressive sports injury?

Eckstein: I haven’t had too many injuries. I’ve broken my foot and hand and chipped my front teeth in the surf.

Hurst: Playing indoor volleyball for a charity & rolled my ankle - put me out for a whole winter...

Related Articles:
Bear Grylls talks about running a marathon dressed as a woman
Surfer Taj Burrow scores 0/4 on the Banzai quiz

COMPARE & SAVE