REBEKAH Keat will return to Ironman competition on Sunday five weeks after a brush with death almost put an end to her career.

The Albury professional collided head on with a car while riding her bike in the lead up to the Port Macquarie Ironman, but amazingly escaped with only concussion and minor shoulder injuries.

She was ruled out of the event but has recovered well enough to be considered among the favourites to clinch the inaugural Challenge Cairns on Sunday.

The 33-year-old admitted she was extremely lucky to escape serious injury, but held no fear aside from the normal pre-race nerves with the race now three days away.

"I hit so hard and basically head on with the car. I was dragged up onto the windscreen; it could have been a lot worse," she said.

"I’ll be a little nervous before the gun goes off … but I’m ready to rumble now and I’d like to think I’m a chance of winning it."

She scoffed at the idea of it being a two-horse race between her and Australian Ironman Hall of Fame inductee Belinda Granger though.

Keat said younger rivals Amelia Pearson and Carrie Lester would both pose huge threats, while Christie Sym, Nicole Ward and Lisa Ribes have all been touted as contenders.

"It’s going to be very close, I’m sure of that," Keat said.

Keat sees her lack of race time is a positive considering she feels fresher than normal at this stage of the season.

"It’s been the complete opposite preparation to last year," she said.

"I feel a little underdone but it’s not at all a bad thing."

Regardless of what goes on around them, the duel between Keat and Granger promsises to be a feature of the race, considering the pair’s close friendship but healthy rivalry.

"I looked up to her as a junior and she was the reason I started doing this," Keat said of Granger.

"We’re good mates and we might chat a bit during the bike leg, but it’s serious business once that guns goes off," she said.

Keat hoped she wouldn’t give too much away to Granger on the road.

"She’s a strong rider but if I lose time on the bike leg I’m confident I can make it up in the run."

And as far as the swim leg goes, Keat just hopes she doesn’t fall victim to the local wildlife.

"I’ve heard the crocodiles aren’t fussy eaters. I’ll make sure I’m not at the back of the pack."

Share this article