Miguel Tovar
In the vibrant mosaic of human stories, Miguel Tovar's story radiates with a quiet strength and unwavering resolve. Born and raised in Venezuela, Miguel experienced childhood asthma, a challenge that could have easily dimmed his athletic aspirations. It wasn’t until his mid 40’s that his love affair with endurance sport was born.
Venturing across continents to pursue academic opportunities in the USA, Miguel found himself navigating not only the rigors of academia but also the joys of fatherhood with the arrival of his daughter Natalia.
Six years later, he would find himself in Brisbane, Australia for work opportunities. As an engineer spending long hours in front of computer screens, Miguel developed RSI and other health issues related to a sedentary work lifestyle. Miguel was inspired to begin running during work lunch breaks with colleagues, through which he discovered a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. From here, his fitness journey escalated and triathlon was eventually a natural progression.
Miguel participated in his first short course triathlon in 2017.
“Despite feeling a bit embarrassed as I watched various groups of swimmers with different coloured caps pass me during the swim, and seeing my road bike standing alone on the rack, I savoured this inaugural experience.
After Miguels humble introduction to the sport in 2017, he began consistently working hard under the guidance of an experienced coach and his race performances began to skyrocket, reflecting his incredible work ethic. Miguel’s consistent daily work in training resulted in several triathlon world championship qualifications; most recently at the Ironman World Championship in St George and Kona in 2022.
As a father juggling a successful career as a Petroleum Engineer, Miguel finds a way to make it all work.
"Balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities means I have to fit my training into any spare moment I can find, all while trying to keep it enjoyable. Tuesdays I've dubbed as "Super Tuesday” -biking to work in the morning, going for a run at lunch, biking back home, and finishing off with a night swimming session.”
Miguel has some big goals for the year ahead, aiming to qualify for the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona, and the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo. Competition will be fierce, however we know that Miguel will find a way to make dreams a reality.
Miguel's journey serves as a reminder that greatness is not reserved for the extraordinary few, but is within reach of anyone willing to chase their dreams with passion and persistence.
