Transplant Recipient Kate Burton to Compete in 2024 Ironman World Championships

Perth-based athlete Kate Burton is set to compete in both the Ironman World Championships in France and the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in New Zealand this year. The 43-year-old, who received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from her sister in 1985 at the age of 5, has overcome numerous challenges to qualify for these prestigious events.

In 2007, Kate was hit by a car while cycling, leaving her with a shattered pelvis and multiple broken bones. After spending six weeks in hospital recovering and learning to walk again, she has gone on to complete an incredible 8 Ironman events.

Kate qualified for the Ironman World Championships after an impressive performance at the Busselton Ironman last December, where she was joined by fellow transplant recipient Jonathon Mitchell. "It was great to see Jonathon complete his first Ironman and I hope we can show other transplant recipients that it is possible," Kate said.

Originally qualifying for the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in 2021, Kate was unable to attend due to Covid-19 restrictions. Fortunately, she was able to transfer her qualification to the 2024 World Championships in New Zealand. "It's been a long time in the making so I can't wait to get out there and compete," she said.

As part of her preparation for the World Championships, Kate competed at the 2024 Cycling Road Nationals in Ballarat, where she won two gold medals, becoming the RoadNats Transplant (TX) Para Champion in both the road race and time trial events.

Kate's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many. "I am forever grateful to my sister, my bone marrow donor. While 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," she 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."