Kim Edwards and Edwardo Flores reveal driving factor ahead of Sunshine Coast Ironman

Two athletes aged 62 and 59 have shared their inspirational stories and key reasons ahead of the Sunshine Coast Ironman in Mooloolaba on Sunday.

Athletes from across Australia are into their final preparations as more than 2000 athletes prepare to take part in the sold out 2022 Sunshine Coast Ironman on Sunday, September 11, 2022.

Sunshine Coast residents Kim Edwards and Edwardo Flores are hoping to conquer a new personal challenge as they take part in the 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.2km run in Mooloolaba.

Edwards, 62, completed her first triathlon at the age of 57 and had since become the president of the Sunshine Coast Tri Club.

“The Ironman event has been a huge goal for me ever since I became a triathlete five years ago as it’s one of the pinnacles of achievement for any triathlete,” Edwards said.

“Participating in an Ironman 70.3 at the age of 62 is probably crazy, but I am really determined to give it my best as I hope to prove to myself that I can do it, and hope to inspire other women over 60 that there are no limits.”

Sunshine Coast Tri club president Kim Edwards.

Flores, 59, said although he had never done a triathlon in his life he was seeking a new physical challenge.

“I like to keep fit at my old age and when I turned 50 I did eight marathons and one ultra-marathon including three marathons in three days so because I’m turning 60 in November I thought I had to do something different,” he said.

“I had an aim of doing 100 half marathons in 100 weeks but I ended up in a moon boot for a few months and so to help my recovery I started swimming.

“I’m now doing over 100km on my bike and although I had never swum before I can swim for 2km without stopping but I did a mini triathlon by myself the other week which almost f-----g killed me so I just want to finish.”

Kings Beach resident Edwardo Flores training for the Sunshine Coast Ironman.

Edwards, who took part in the Sunshine Coast Marathon on August 14, said her training had increased in the past 12 weeks.

“I spend at least four to six hours a day training, which involves at least two disciplines but it’s not just about physical training, it’s also about learning to be mentally tough and overcoming all those self doubts and fears,” she said.

“I am doing the Ironman, not because I know I can do it, but because I don’t know if I can do it and so whatever happens, whether I finish last, or even finish at all, I hope to do my club and support crew proud.”

Originally published as Kim Edwards and Edwardo Flores reveal driving factor ahead of Sunshine Coast Ironman