Born on the Gold Coast, I grew up in Brisbane and spent my time body boarding and playing soccer and cricket. While never really a runner, swimmer or cyclist I turned to triathlon in a bid to lose weight and my first few Olympic Distance Triathlons were quite mediocre. It was only when I finished the Gold Coast Half Ironman in 2005 did I realise that I was suited to the long course style racing. I have enjoyed the age group successes that come from consistent hard work. Beginning my journey as a professional triathlete, here are a few things you may not already know about me:

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Name – Richard Macleod Thompson

DOB – 23 April 1985

Hometown – Brisbane, Queensland

Currently Based – Mooloolaba, Queensland

Job – Solicitor

Coach – Kristian Manietta of TriSpecific

Personal Motto - Dream the impossible.

Best piece of race advice – If you are struggling, just go harder (thanks for that one bretto)

First Triathlon - A Weet-Bix Tryathlon at Redcliffe, Qld in April 2002. I was pudgy and slow, the weather was cold and wet but was hooked once I had crossed the finish line.

Food vices – Chocolate as well as homemade muesli

Favourite Movie – Transformers

Favourite TV show – Modern Family & Hawaii 5-0

The last three purchased CDs – The new one from Goyte as well as the Jay-Z & Kanye collaboration

Favourite Swim Set - 30*100m leaving on 1.40 and coming in as fast as you can.  It is a great set to do to see how you are going in the pool.

Favourite Long Ride -  Mooloolaba – Mt Mee – Dayboro and back (via Peachester)

Regrets – Not persisting with swim squad at school.  Oh and also convincing myself that a speedo and a small tank top was a suitable race attire for my first triathlon