Three triathletes from Airlie Beach have qualified for two unique world events where they’ll represent Australia across the month of October.
Michael Kimpton, Daniel McDonnell, and Alisha Rust – Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island athletes – will head to the United States in October to compete across two outings as international athletes.
For the full-distance Ironman World Championships, Kimpton will represent the region as he arrives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for one of the most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.
He’ll compete where professional and age group triathletes from around the World dream of racing: on Ironman’s main stage.
The iconic event “defines the sport of triathlon”, with the very best triathletes worldwide embarking on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finishing with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.
“For most, it is the ultimate test of strength, mind and spirit,” said Airlie Beach triathlete Michael Kimpton, who qualified for the race’s 65–69-year-old age group.
“I’m so happy to be representing Australia, and especially considering I’m only a newbie to the sport!”
Kona serves as the first of two Ironman championships that the group will head to the United States for, when in late October, the entire trio of Kimpton, McDonnell, and Rust will be heading to Utah for the Half Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
Each contestant from Airlie Beach is a member of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club, qualifying for their respective age groups at the Half Ironman World Championships: McDonnell in age group 18 to 24, and Rust in age group 25 to 29.
The trio will compete in the gruelling run through the heat of St George and Greater Zion National Park in Utah.
The course offers miles of adventure and inspiration for its triathletes to test their mettle in the shadows of red rocks and desert.
Although a lesser distance than Kailua-Kona, the Zion course poses its own challenges.
A Reservoir swim of 1.93-kilometress, followed by a hilly bike course of 90.1-kilometress, gaining 3,500 feet elevation through ‘’Snow Canyon’’- all in oppressive heat – and a run course of 21.1-kilometres, again on a hilly course.
Utah Ironman has been called ‘’The Land of Endurance’’.
The three “gun athletes” will serve as Whitsundays’ exports for the region, who are looking forward to taking the Whitsundays’ spirit to the world stage.
Name: Daniel McDonnell
Age: 24
How long you’ve been competing: Two years
Best time so far: 3 hours 48 minutes (half ironman)
Favourite part of a race: Finishing on the podium
Best advice you’ve ever received: Aim for consistency
Top tip for triathletes: Make sure you enjoy it
Aspirations for the race: Have a great event
Name: Alisha Rust
Age: 28
How long you’ve been competing: Four years
Best time so far: 5 hours 17 minutes (half ironman)
Favourite part of a race: Having a great race
Best advice you’ve ever received: Have a go
Top tip for runners: Train to the best of your ability
Aspirations for the race: Have fun, enjoy it!
Name: Michael Kimpton
Age: 68
How long you’ve been competing: Five years
Best time so far: 13 hours 27 minutes (full ironman)
Favourite part of a race: Seeing the finish line
Best advice you’ve ever received: Never give up
Top tip for runners: Do the best you can
Aspirations for the race: Enjoy the day and the atmosphere
