Eckstein named Villa World Ambassador
National property developer Villa World has thrown its support behind Gold Coaster Shannon Eckstein, and possibly opened a new career path for the world champion ironman.Shannon, who heads into the Summer of Surf carnival on the Gold Coast this weekend (February 5), has secured a sponsorship agreement with Villa World.The agreement positions him as ambassador for Villa World, which has a growing development portfolio on the Gold Coast, including Arundel Springs.“I’m proud to have been asked to represent Villa World,” said Shannon.“It’s a tough sport so it’s great when you get the support of a company of this calibre, a Gold Coast company that has been around for a long time.”Shannon also revealed that a casual conversation with Villa World CEO and managing director Craig Treasure has led him to ponder his career after professional sport, and Villa World could play a significant role in that decision.“I was lucky enough to sit down with Craig over a coffee and we talked a lot about the company and my career,” said Shannon.“It’s not that I plan to retire any time soon because I’m still racing really well, but it’s probably time to think about my future, especially now that I have a growing family.”Shannon, who won his first world ironman title in 2002 at age 18, secured his fifth world title in the Netherlands last September.With nine Kellogg’s ironman series and eight national ironman titles to his name, Shannon is currently in training to take on his 10th and ninth title respectively over the next couple of months.“I’ve enjoyed ironman and surf lifesaving for a long time but, to be realistic, I can’t do it forever,” he said.“I’d like to find something I want to do over the next 15 to 20 years and I want to put the same passion into it as I do with competition.“It’s about finding something that interests me, and property is right up there. Hopefully I will learn more about Villa World and then I can see if there is a future for me with the company. There are so many different facets to the business that I’d like to explore.“Villa World’s latest Gold Coast project, Arundel Springs, is the kind of development that aligns with my beliefs. It’s something that I hope to be a part of as it progresses.”Mr Treasure welcomed the new Villa World ambassador, saying Shannon’s 15-year ironman career epitomised success at an elite level.“His record in the rough and tumble of ironman competition is testament to his discipline and commitment, while his longevity in the sport shows a deep passion for his sport,” said Mr Treasure.“These are the qualities we see in Shannon, and a reflection of the qualities we celebrate at Villa World.“Shannon is a welcome addition to the Villa World team and I hope we can inspire him to the success he deserves beyond the sporting arena.”Arundel Springs is due to be launched in coming months. The development, which will comprise 306 residential lots and approximately 80 town homes when completed, will feature the regeneration by Villa World of the long-neglected Arundel reach of the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area.