Andrew Thompson completed his first Ironman Triathlon and fundraised over $A4300 for ADRA Australia.
A full-distance Ironman Triathlon is a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km cycle, then finishing with a full 42.2km marathon run. On May 7, Andrew completed the Ironman Triathlon in a time of just over 14 hours and 37 minutes.
“I decided to do an Ironman Triathlon to raise money to support the people that ADRA helps,” Mr Thompson said. “What’s the point of all that self-inflicted pain and suffering just for the superficial bragging rights of being an Ironman? For me, it needed to have a bigger purpose. The people that I’m raising money to help are doing it tough day in and day out, not just for 15 hours.”
An outdoors person by nature, adventure and fitness challenges are a constant in Mr Thompson’s life.
“I’m a follower of Jesus that also loves the outdoors, fitness and a challenge,” Mr Thompson said. “I’ve always pushed myself to improve and try harder things through multipitch traditional rock climbing, white water kayaking, multiday sea kayaking expeditions and multiday back country alpine expeditions.”
Always looking for the next big challenge, Mr Thompson turned to triathlons. He tried his first triathlon in 2021 and was hooked instantly.
“I’ve become addicted to long-distance running, cycling and swimming because it has helped me find mental focus, joy in the present moment and a time of no distractions,” Mr Thompson said. “So when I had heard about the full-distance Ironman Triathlons, I was captivated by the challenge.”
Mr Thompson’s fundraising goal is to reach $A5650, or $A25 for every one of the 226 kilometres he covered in the Ironman. Donations to support his extraordinary efforts are still being accepted. To contribute, visit bit.ly/ironmanforadra.
