PARALYMPIC SUPERSTAR TO MAKE IRONMAN 70.3 DEBUT

Australia’s most successful Paralympian, (skier, cyclist, runner and motivational speaker) Michael Milton, will make his IRONMAN 70.3 debut at the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns on Sunday 11 June 2017.

Throughout his sporting career, Michael has achieved more than most athletes can dream of.

With six gold, three silver, and two bronze medals from five Paralympic Games, he is already the elite of the sporting elite. But he also holds the Open Australian speed snow skiing record (and a world record for an athlete with a disability) at 213.65 kmh, has walked the Kokoda Trail twice and trekked Mt Kilimanjaro.

Michael’s primary reason for making the trip to Cairns is an engagement to speak at the 2017 Team COUCH* Corporate Lunch and Charity Auction that will be held on Thursday 8 June at the Pullman Cairns International.

But while he is in town Michael thought it too good an opportunity to test his body over the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run on the stunning IRONMAN Cairns 70.3 course.

“The opportunity to race Cairns only came up a few weeks ago when I got a call from COUCH I knew it was only three weeks after the Ultra Trail Australia 2017 but I asked them if I could get an entry to the 70.3.”

“My last triathlon was the 2013 Lake Crackenback Cross Triathlon but I have always wanted to do a long distance triathlon. I’ve done all the individual legs and now I just need to put them all together.”

Just back from completing the 50km event at Ultra Trail Australia 2017, Milton is back in the pool to sharpen up his swim in preparation for his first IRONMAN 70.3.

“IRONMAN Cairns 70.3 could be a jump up from a sprint triathlon or I can think of it as a step down from the 12-hour 50km Ultra to six and a half hours. I have done a lot of running and riding lately and, although I haven’t been in the pool, I am still a good swimmer, especially in a wetsuit. I go in without ideal preparation but at the same time I am not really racing. I am happy to take part, have fun and just finish.”

“The opportunity to get out of Canberra mid-winter into some sunshine is really great. My family is coming up for five days and. I’m looking forward to doing some local tourism stuff with the kids. As a two-time cancer survivor, COUCH is a charity close to my heart so I’m keen to work with them as well,” he said.

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