Kate Burton will take on the world’s best Ironman athletes this year as she competes in both the Ironman World Championships in France, and the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in New Zealand.
Kate received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from her sister in 1985 when she was just 5 years old. She has faced many challenges along the way. In 2007 she was hit by a car while cycling that left her with a shattered pelvis and many other broken bones. She spent six weeks in hospital recovering and learning to walk again.
Kate qualified for the Ironman World Championships after her amazing performance at the Busselton Ironman last December. She was thrilled to be joined by fellow transplant recipient Jonathon Mitchell in completing the gruelling 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42 km run event. “It was great to see Jonathon complete his first Ironman and I hope we can show other transplant recipients that it is possible.”
Kate qualified for the 70.3 Ironman World Championships all the way back in 2021 but due to Covid-19 restrictions she has been unable to attend. “Luckily I was able to transfer my qualification to the 2024 World Championships in New Zealand,” Kate said. “It’s been a long time in the making so I can’t wait to get out there and compete.”
Part of her preparation for the World Championships included competing at the 2024 Cycling Road Nationals in Ballarat. Kate took home two gold medals, becoming the RoadNats Transplant (TX) Para Champion in both the road race and time trial events. To find out more about the RoadNats click here.
Completing an Ironman race is a feat of mental and physical strength that challenges even the fittest of athletes. Kate has completed an incredible 8 Ironman events. Having faced serious illness at such a young age Kate has never taken her health for granted and despite all the challenges she has faced it is these setbacks that keep Kate motivated in her training. Qualifying for the World Championships is a testament to Kate’s resilience and determination.
“I am forever grateful to my sister, my bone marrow donor. Whilst my transplant was many years ago, I think the limits I have been able to push my mind and body to far exceed all medical expectations,” Kate said. “Getting to the World Champs is a celebration of all the medical teams and donors out there, allowing us transplant recipients to not only survive, but also to thrive.”
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