The first of Airlie Beach’s competitors representing the country at a series of World Championship Ironman events crossed the finish line last Sunday.
Whitsunday local Michael Kimpton, 68, took part in the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, one of the “most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.”
The iconic event saw some of the world’s very best triathletes embark on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finish with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.
Kimpton said the atmosphere was off the dial before the race.
“Plenty of nervous energy from all athletes, music pumping while we patiently waited for the announcement to enter the water,” he said.
“The ocean was kind to all with calm conditions but a little bit of swell running. Lovely warm water. The cycle course was unbelievable, the road surface is to die for: an undulating course with a tough climb halfway.
“[It was] very wise not to push too hard on the bike; it got very hot as the heat and high humidity from the barren lava fields made it challenging. A bonus we train in Airlie Beach in slightly similar conditions!”
Kimpton is a relative newbie to the sport but is making a late charge representing his country in his retirement from working life.
In Hawaii, he’s found himself alongside some of the greats, including fourth placed fellow countryman, Max Neumann, who broke the course record alongside four others.
Although he might not have been on the podium come the end, the experience for Kimpton was something he’ll never forget.
“Near the end, you could hear the music way up front. I just love the last couple of kilometres as the adrenaline kicks in,” he said.
“The final 500 metres is remarkable. Spectator support so exhilarating that all of a sudden the body feels invincible; I was pumped and ready to take my turn as being welcomed as an ‘Ironman’.
“I can safely say: I love my life, and I love Ironman.”
Michael Kimpton completed the World Championship course in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the first of two ironman distance events he’ll compete in this month
Kimpton, a newbie to the sport, experienced something few people in the world ever do: competing for his country on the world stage
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