After already wrapping up a record ninth Ironman surf series, Shannon Eckstein was determined just to enjoy himself.
But in pure Eckstein style, he dominated the field with a clear final round win at North Cronulla on Sunday to reconfirm his status as the sport's all-time best.
"I didn't have any nerves today and once again I'm just happy to get the job done," he said.
"This is a world-class sport and I do it because I love it. I don't big talk myself, I just love winning races.
"It's really hard in any sport to stay at the top and be consistent but I've been consistent," Eckstein said.
Former competitor and series contest director Zane Holmes said he was in awe of 32-year-old Eckstein's ability to maintain such an extreme standard.
"When he races, his mind is completely clear and you can see he is focusing," Holmes said.
"He makes no mistakes. It's clinical to watch and so impressive."
Last year's series winner Ali Day spent the day chasing Eckstein whose race win elevated his series score to 135 points. Day's second gave him 106 points and second place overall.
Matt Bevilacqua capped a terrific season, crossing third and placing third (98) overall.
In the Ironwoman series, Jordan Mercer won Sunday's round to claim her first Nutri-Grain series title.
She follows in the footsteps of her six-time Ironman champion dad, Darren Mercer, with the pair becoming the first father-daughter titleholders.
"This is a dream come true for my dad and I and today is one of those days I'll never forget," she said.
"I believed that I could do it and today was my chance to show everyone why I am the Ironwoman champion.
"There's been challenges and upsets along the way but I'm surrounded with incredible people and my heart doubles in size knowing I've got such support."
One of those cheering Mercer on was best mate and pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons.
"I've never experienced something so nerve racking watching one of my best friends," Fitzgibbons said.
"It's been a fairy-tale seeing her rise and come up in the ranks and today she has reached the pinnacle of her career.
"We are both so passionate about what we do. We live and breathe it and everyday we both think about what it would feel like to cross the line as a champion."
Mercer's main challenger Kirsty Higgison was unfortunately knocked out in the second round, leaving the door open for her to take the race and the series with 109 points.
Higgison, who started the day on equal points with Mercer, finished the series in second (98) with Brodie Moir (88).
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