When most people think of visiting South Africa, they imagine spotting the local wildlife that includes the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. But Micky Kimpton, race director of the Coral Sea Resort Marina Airlie Beach Triathlon, has something else in mind.
At 71 years, Micky is no stranger to a challenge. He’s about to take on his sixth Ironman triathlon in five years, and this time, his swim will have a much larger adversary than his fellow triathletes. He’s heading to Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa next month, and while most competitors are focused on finishing the gruelling race, Micky has one more thing on his mind: adding a Great White Shark to his personal wildlife list.
"I figured, if I’m going to be swimming in open water, I may as well make it interesting," Micky says with his signature grin. "I’ve got the lions and leopards sorted in my bucket list. Now it’s time for something a little more... toothy."
The South African Ironman is no easy feat. It’s a brutal event that involves a 3.8 km swim, followed by a 180 km bike ride and a full 42.2 km marathon. The swim takes place in the chilly waters of Nelson Mandela Bay, a place renowned not only for its great swimming conditions, but also for its healthy population of Great White Sharks.
Micky has managed to add a little extra danger to the mix. "I’m hoping to add ‘shark-watching’ to my list of hobbies," he quips. "But don’t worry, I’ll stick to the official swim course and leave the wildlife to the experts."
Micky's not just doing this for fun. As the race director of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, Micky's been a driving force behind growing the event into one of the Whitsundays' premier races, and his passion for the sport is contagious. His philosophy? Age is just a number, and there’s no finish line for true dedication.
"Competing in these Ironman races has taught me patience, discipline, and the ability to laugh at myself when I’m swimming alongside a shark," he jokes. "But in all seriousness, it’s about showing that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to push yourself."
“I also love giving back to the sport and as race director for this year’s 25th Anniversary the Coral Sea marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon will have a new bike course for all distances!
Whether Micky crosses the Ironman finish line with a medal around his neck or an "I survived a shark" badge, we know one thing for sure—his legend will only grow. It’s not just the triathlons he’s conquering; it’s also inspiring others to embrace their own challenges, whatever they may be.
Micky at his first triathlon for 2024, 2XU Olympic distance Event in St.Kilda, Melbourne. Photo sourced: Michael Kimpton's Facebook page.
Micky, cycling during a triathlon. Michael Kimpton's Facebook page.
Micky Kimpton. Photo sourced: RMHC's home website.
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