When Michael Kimpton retired to Airlie Beach in 2017, he decided to take up running, cycling and swimming. Now, he’s competing in triathlon and ironman events around the world to raise money for charity.
"I had a sit down office job all my life, then we moved and retired to Airlie Beach in 2017. I was 63 years old and my aim was to get fit! I started swimming, running and cycling, it was fun and then decided to enter a triathlon on Hamilton Island and then I was hooked. Now seven years later I am one of the leading Age Group triathletes in Australia and ready to head off to another World Championships in Nice, France to represent Australia in the 3.8km swim, 180 km cycle in the Alps and to complete the day a 42.2km marathon along the Nice promenade."
The Ironman rankings are out for all age group athletes for their performances in 2024. Whilst not the fastest athlete, Michael is one of the most durable, resilient and consistent athletes going around. Ironman has been ranked number 1 in Australia and number 3 in the World. A testament to his commitment to inspire everyone that anything is possible in this World. He was also awarded Australia Day Sportsperson of the Year in January 2025 by the Whitsunday Regional Council for my athletic and Event running accolades
"Kidney Health Australia is a cause very close to my heart. What is amazing for me, when I was 23 years of age I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, I was hospitalised for six months, lost a major portion of my left calf, broken bones, sustained permanent nerve damage to my leg and spent six weeks on a kidney dialysis machine!
Here I am today representing Australia in this challenging sport of Triathlon.
It will be my objective to raise in excess of $10,000.00."
A wonderful gesture Michael.