CHANGING THE GAME!

67-Year-Old Local Represents Australia at World Championships

Fitter than most people could hope to be at the prime of their life, retired local Michael Kimpton, has qualified for the Ironman World Championships which are due to take place in the United States later this year.

Over 100,000 athletes from around the world vie for just 2000 places in the World Championships and Michael won his place to represent Team Australia by finishing 3rd place for the 65-69 age-group in an Ironman competition in Cairns last June.

Old Dog, New Tricks

Ice baths, ocean swims and a strict diet are just some of the daily practices that Michael Kimpton builds into his intensive routine which will see him fighting fit and ready to compete in the Ironman World Championships this year.

It was just six years ago that Mr Kimpton picked up running again after a 30-year hiatus, when he and wife of 41 years, Val, moved to Airlie Beach.

The couple were determined to keep active during their retirement and while Mrs Kimpton plays tennis, Mr Kimpton decided to enter a few local triathlons and quickly became an active member of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club.

To qualify for his age-group in the world championships is an incredible achievement for a man who, at the age of 22, survived a near-fatal motorbike accident when commuting home from work one rainy evening in Melbourne.

With a compound break in his femur, a large portion of his calf muscle missing and kidney failure, Mr Kimpton spent six months in hospital and had complete nerve damage to his left leg leaving him temporarily paralysed and unable to walk.

“After numerous operations and intensive rehabilitation, I was determined to regain my fitness to its fullest,” said Mr Kimpton.

Flash forward almost 46 years and not only has he led a fulfilling life with three children and two grandchildren, he is also living his best years now.

First representing Australia in France in 2019, Mr Kimpton is now looking forward to jetting off to Roth in Germany, where he will compete on the 3rd July, a day before his 68th birthday.

Also participating in this event will be another Airlie Beach local, Cassandra Carman.

Alongside his biggest supporter and wife, Mr Kimpton will then head to the World lronman Championships at Kailua Pier, Kona, Hawaii and race on October 6.

The mammoth event consists of a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycle, followed by a 42.2-kilometre marathon run.

The couple then head to St George in Utah where Mr Kimpton has also qualified to represent Australia in the World Half lronman Championships on October 29.

Using this impressive sporting achievement to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer of Foundation Australia Mr Kimpton is hosting a fundraising page to support a cause which is close to his heart.

So far, he has raised $5000 and if you would like to donate, simply go to fundraise.pcfa.org.au.

Ironman World Championships qualifier, Michael Kimpton

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