Hayley’s 20-20 Vision0

DECORATED ironwoman Hayley Bateup could carve out a little piece of history at Kurrawa this week by becoming the first woman to win 20 Australian titles.

With 18 to her name ahead of this year’s championships starting on Thursday, Bateup is level with retired Northcliffe champion Kristy Harris on the list of all-time Australian Surf Lifesaving title winners — two clear of former Surfers Paradise great Karla Gilbert.With modern-day rivals Elizabeth Pluimers (16) and Kristyl Smith (15) snapping at her heels, Bateup doesn’t need any extra motivation to maintain her place at the head of the queue as she pushes towards an incredible tally of 20 Aussie title.

“Twenty sounds like a nice number, I’m not too far off it and it’s definitely possible with all the events I’m in over the weekend,” said Bateup, who could contest up to nine events over the four-day championships. I didn’t know I was at the top, it’s a nice honour. But if there was a chance to win a couple more I would never say no.”

This season has been one of the best in her 15-year career. She finished a gutsy second in the Coolangatta Gold before the surf became her enemy in the final of the KNG series, after holding the lead following the opening four rounds.

Back on her home break — the scene of her most impressive moment this season where she surged to victory in Round 2 of the KNG series — the stage is set for a big finish before a short break ahead of another Coolangatta Gold campaign.

“The Australian titles is obviously the pinnacle of what we do and we train all year round, no matter who you are, for this week,” said Bateup.

“It would have been great to win a KNG Series but the prestige is here at Kurrawa Beach at the Australian titles and it will be pretty cool to be at the top.”

Finishing a respectable fifth at the Queensland Championships despite being stranded close to shore on the opening board leg, Bateup is among the list of stars favoured to take home an Aussie gold this week.

With some strong chances in the team events, notably the double ski with Jasmin Kelly, board rescue with Briana Newson and the ski relay with Kelly and Teneale Hatton, the 2001 ironwoman champion leaves no doubt individual glory is in reach.