FORMER Goulburnian Michael Sullivan is set to compete in the notoriously gruelling Hawaiian Ironman event this October.
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The 31-year-old, who now lives on the Gold Coast, will compete in the triathlon torture test that comprises a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon.
Qualifying for the famed event has been an achievement five years in the making for Sullivan after first competing in the New Zealand Ironman in 2009.
“You finish one of these you can achieve almost anything,” Sullivan said.
“In my first half ironman I under-estimated how tough it would be. My legs were cramping really bad and I probably walked the last 20 kms.
“After that it sort of became an addiction. I just wanted to do better and keep pushing myself.”
After numerous near misses in previous years, Sullivan finally qualified for the Hawaiian Ironman, making the cut at the Asia Pacific Ironman Championships in Melbourne last month.
He is now training between 25 and 30 hours a week with a squad of competitors from his home on the Gold Coast.
“The Hawaiian Ironman has probably the toughest conditions,” Mr Sullivan said.
“It’s really hot and humid and the course runs through lava fields.
“Plus the winds are relentless; it’s almost like riding through a head wind the whole race.”
He tells the Post the benefits of triathlons satisfy more then just his competitive spirit.
They affect his life where he is CEO of the Currumbin Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and in his his study of Masters of Business at Southern Cross University.
“Especially being in business,” Mr Sullivan said.
“There are lessons to keep you going and push your self to achieve your goals.”
The former Mulwaree High School prefect grew up as a member of the Goulburn Amateur Swimming Club.
His time at the club is something he credits towards what he describes as his strongest discipline.
When he moved to the Gold Coast he took up cycling and started to run regularly,
As Sullivan explains, it was only a matter of time before everything naturally fell together.
There are now six months to prepare for the world’s most gruelling test.
Cheering him on will be his family, all of whom still call Goulburn home.
“The support me all the time and they will be there in October,” Sullivan said.
“I still love Goulburn. It’s a place very close to the heart.”
