Niall achieves long time ambition

Niall Thompson has achieved a long-held ambition, winning the right to compete in the Kona Ironman in Hawaii this week.

Usually near impossible to qualify for the event which is regarded as the world championships of Ironman, Thompson was devastated to miss the cut by just one spot some 16 years ago.

“I’d placed in my age group, but it wasn’t enough to get in,” he said.

Determined to reach his goal, the Warragul resident was able to advance through a program designed to reward those who are the most committed to the sport.

It has been a gruelling journey to win the right to compete against some of the best athletes in the world for Thompson, who has now completed 25 Ironman races in his career. “If you have done more than 12 Ironman you can enter a legacy program,” Thompson said. “They take 100 people every year. “I’ve done 25 Ironman and thought I’d give it a shot.

“I like the challenge of seeing what you can achieve.

“About 16 years ago when I was quite fit, I missed out by one spot.

“So, it’s been good to get in through the back door through the Legacy program.”

Unsure of his prospects for the big race, Thompson has been getting in as much training as he can while also balancing work and family commitments.

“It’s hard, we’ve just come out of our winter and over there at the moment its mid-30 temperatures, high humidity and strong winds,” Thompson said.

“I have a friend from Warragul who went over a week ago and he said it was hot.

“It’s open and doesn’t have a lot of shelter.

“I try and do what I can; my wife has been very understanding.

“For the bike riding I have been on an indoor trainer.”

After competing at Kona, Thompson plans to return to triathlon with his local Wild Dog Triathlon Club.

The 2018-19 triathlon summer season will commence on Saturday, October 20.