Mencap ambassador breaks triathlon record not long after learning to swim and ride a bike

Mencap Myth Buster Michael Beynon (UK) is a record-breaking machine.

It wasn’t that long ago that the 31-year-old couldn’t swim or ride a bike, and now, he’s claimed the record for fastest sprint triathlon (II2) (IS1) (male) in an impressive time of 2 hr 29 min 11 sec.

The (II2) and (IS1) in Michael’s record title are part of our impairment categories that make record breaking fair for everyone and refer to him having Down syndrome and a visual impairment.

Michael, 31, from Wales, took on this challenge to show that people with learning disabilities can learn new skills – all part of his work with charity Mencap.

What makes his feat all the more impressive is that although Michael was already a seasoned runner he couldn’t swim or ride a bike, so the prospect of a triathlon was a daunting one.

But with the help of coaches at Wrexham Tri Club, he learned how to do both, built up his endurance and gained enough confidence in all three disciplines to take on the Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham in May.

He performed so brilliantly on the day that he even shaved 15 minutes off his target time.

He said: “I’m so happy and proud. This is my fourth Guinness World Records title. It feels really special. Learning to swim and cycle was hard, but I didn’t give up. I worked really hard and I’m so excited I did it – and even faster than I thought I could.” 

His mum Erika Beynon added: “Michael is absolutely ecstatic and so excited to have achieved his fourth Guinness World Records title. This one is especially meaningful because he had to learn completely new skills – like swimming and cycling – in such a short space of time, and he still managed to take 15 minutes off the time he was aiming for.

“As parents, we are incredibly proud of him. His commitment to training every day, and his determination to perform on the day and achieve his goal, has been truly inspiring to watch. We would also like to thank his incredible team, who supported him throughout both training and the event itself. Michael never gave up – and neither did they.” 

Read about more amazing physical feats in our Sports and Fitness section.

Michael also raised money for three causes close to his heart with his amazing achievement - Mencap, Hope House and Maggie’s Cancer Centre.

Adam Millward, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records, said: “Massive congratulations to Michael for smashing the fastest sprint triathlon (II2/IS1) and at the same time shattering a few preconceptions around who endurance athletics is for.

“If getting across the finish line after a gruelling cycle, swim and run wasn’t impressive enough, the fact that he only learned how to swim after setting his mind on this challenge is a true testament to his steely determination to make sport more inclusive, so everyone – no matter their genetics – has the option to take part and prove they too are Officially Amazing.” 

Michael also still holds the records for tallest stack of Welsh cakes in one minute (II2) (IS1) with a total of 17 and the farthest distance covered on foot in one week (II2) (IS1) with 100.17 km (62.86 mi).

To find out more about Mencap Myth Buster Michael, visit his profile page.