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Photo supplied: Michael Kimpton
Local legend Michael Kimpton has taken his familiar smile to Hawaii, completing his third Ironman World Championship in Kona for his country and with dedication to the Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network.
Following the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, Michael had just two months to focus fully on training for the challenge.
The 72-year-old Airlie Beach local qualified for the Men's 70–74 age category after taking a podium finish at IRONMAN Western Australia with a time of 13:42:16, joining more than 2,500 athletes from 87 countries for the most gruelling ironman in the world.
The course consists of a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim in Kailua Bay, followed by a 180-kilometre bike ride across Hawaii’s volcanic landscape and a marathon to finish.
High temperatures, intense humidity and strong coastal winds tested competitors throughout the day, with 2,261 making it across the finish line.
“It is the ultimate test in athlete willpower & endurance as they endeavour to conquer the challenging course,” said Michael.
With a standard Ironman cut-off of around 17 hours Michael’s finishing time of 14 hours, 48 minutes and 41 seconds, completed in front of his wife and daughter, was even more impressive.
“I am a very happy man to have completed this World Championship event in 2022, 2024 and 2026, it’s absolutely amazing,” Michael said.
“An unforgettable journey in the heart of the triathlon birthplace!”
Michael’s latest finish reflected his consistency across three appearances at Kona, coming just 18 minutes behind his 2022 time and nine minutes behind his 2024 result.
“My dad is an actual superhero!” his daughter, Elle Bree, commented on Instagram.
Beyond his own sporting goals, Michael dedicated this year’s race to raising money and awareness for the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network.
“This year my Race was dedicated to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, an inspiring cause and all funds go directly to them,” said Michael.
By the time he crossed the finish line, his efforts had helped raise $2,900 to support local suicide prevention initiatives, while encouraging people struggling with their mental health to reach out for help.
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